The Kerala Government has recently introduced a digital media literacy initiative named ‘Satyameva Jayate’ (Truth alone triumphs), aimed towards combating the prevalence and spread of Fake News. This is a course that will be implemented in schools and colleges, focusing on five key aspects: understanding what constitutes false information, why it spreads rapidly, precautions to adopt when using social media content, the ways in which fake news propagators profit, and the steps citizens can take to counteract this issue.
‘Satyameva Jayate’: An Insight
‘Satyameva Jayate’ is a mantra derived from the Hindu scripture Mundaka Upanishad. Post India’s independence, on 26th January 1950, it was chosen as the national motto. It is etched at the base of the Lion Capital of Ashoka in the Devanagari script, forming a crucial part of the Indian national emblem. This motto along with the emblem is inscribed on one side of all Indian currency and national documents.
The Epidemic of Fake News
Fake news, by definition, is deceptive information presented as actual news. The key objectives are often damaging the reputation of a person or a group, or monetizing through advertising revenue. Although it was once prevalent mainly in the print and digital media, the rise of social media platforms and messaging apps has exacerbated the spread of fake news. Aspects like political polarization, post-truth politics, confirmation bias, and social media platforms have all contributed to its proliferation.
The Impacts and Hazards
The propagation of fake news poses a significant risk as it undermines genuine news by competing with it. In India, the distribution of fake news is primarily associated with political and religious matters. However, during the Covid-19 pandemic, an overwhelming amount of misinformation was circulated. The rampant spread of fake news via social media platforms in India has developed into a critical issue, with incidents leading to mob violence.
Counteracting Measures
In order to curb the spread of spurious information online, governments frequently resort to internet shutdowns. The idea of linking Aadhaar to social media accounts was proposed to the Supreme Court of India by the Attorney General. Additionally, the government has conducted classes on fake news in schools and plans to initiate more public education programs to generate awareness about this concern. These measures have led to the creation of fact-checking websites such as Alt News.
Steps Ahead
There is a pressing need for the government to create awareness about this “information war”. They should take strict action against those who disseminate fake news. Establishing an independent agency that verifies the data circulated through social channels is crucial. Social media platforms should also be held accountable, making it their responsibility to control the spread of disinformation. Applying artificial intelligence technologies, particularly machine learning and natural language processing, can assist in combating the fake news crisis. Programs like Kerala’s ‘Satyameva Jayate’ should be introduced in other states too, ensuring students are cognizant of the problem and equipped to deal with it while also educating their families.
