Don't normalise disinformation

It has been used as a tool of warfare in the ancient era. It has been used as propaganda during the Cold War. And in an unprecedented year for elections - at least 64 countries, including India, go to polls this year - misinformation or disinformation has become one of the significant threats that people will face, warns World Economic Forum's 2024 Global Risk Report.

It could destabilise the real and perceived legitimacy of newly elected governments, risking political unrest, violence and terrorism, and a longer-term erosion of democratic processes. Worryingly for India, false information has been identified as a significant risk, threatening the stability and security of the country.

Ironically, India's strong digital infrastructure and good internet penetration exacerbate the risk. Other factors include an education system that fails to encourage critical thinking. This, in turn, builds a culture where asking questions is seen as questioning authority and legitimacy.


It is not what the information is but who provides the information that is critical to establish its veracity and trustworthiness. Unsurprisingly, information from social media platforms and WhatsApp groups of friends and family has more currency than information provided by legacy and formal media and governments.

Probing the information is not the SOP. Mobile and internet-based messaging options make dissemination easy. Each forward adds strength to misinformation passed around. Facts become stranger than fiction.

With virtually no one immune from spreading disinformation/ misinformation this election season, the only antidote is for an equally determined lot to counter and push facts without fear or favour. That, unfortunately, remains a tall order.