Danger of Fake news

Fake news refers to the deliberate creation of misinformation or hoaxes spread via traditional print and broadcast news media or online social media shaping the belief of people around the nation and world.

Impact along with recent Incidence

1.Influence Election process: as seen in US presidential election 2016 and Indonesia, Philippines and elsewhere.
2.Ethnic Violence: led by deception internet content in Myanmar and beating of Assamese students in Bangalore in 2012
3.Antagonism: led by malicious rumors and fake news during Kaveri water dispute seen in Karnataka especially Bangalore.
4.Misinformation in Public Domain: via fake news of GPS tracking in newly introduced 2K notes post demonetization.

Solutions

1.Regulating Social media and News Organizations: mandating to put proper checks through rigorous internal editorial and advertising standards and imposing fines upon its inability to stop proliferating of fake news.
2.Spreading Awareness: about legal and social consequences of fake news
3.Legislation: properly define broad forms of fake news to avoid unnecessary litigation and putting in place a strong monitoring mechanism for proper implementation.
4.Leveraging human resources with existing social media: create WhatsApp group of reliable citizens in every district with District Collector/Commissioner as admin, so rumor spread could be quickly verified, clarification issued, Untoward incident prevented.

In today's technologically advanced and connected world, fake news poses a grave threat to democratic setup. Correct steps need to be taken to ensure the distinction between news, opinion and rumor. Fake news has great implications on the society e.g. it can flare up communal violence, hurt sentiments of people etc.

It's time for the government to take some stern steps to curb fake news otherwise the country Willard with misinformation causing undue tension among people.

By: Harman Sandhu