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(BY RAJESHWARI PATIDAR)
While millions of us remain detained in our homes under strict lockdown laws, on social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube and elsewhere, a range of deceptive stories and half-baked conspiracy theories concerning COVID-19 have gained considerable global momentum. Unreliable and false information is spreading around the world to such an extent, that some commentators are now referring to the new avalanche of misinformation that’s accompanied the COVID-19 pandemic as a ‘disinfodemic’.
In the UK alone, nearly half of all adults have been exposed to false claims about the virus, according to research published last week by the country’s media watchdog, Ofcom. Some 35 percent have seen claims that drinking more water can help flush out the disease, for example, while around a quarter have seen advice suggesting the infection can be treated by gargling salt water – both of which have been rubbished by the World Health Organisation and contradict UK public health guidelines.
The purposes of Spreading disinformation of advancing their own agendas: “The motives for spreading disinformation are many, and include political aims, self-promotion, and attracting attention as part of a business model. Those who do so, play on emotions, fears, prejudices and ignorance, and claim to bring meaning and certainty to a reality that is complex, challenging and fast-changing.”
Guy Berger is the Director for Policies and Strategies regarding Communication and Information at UNESCO, and one of the agency’s lead officials on the subject of disinformation. In an interview with UN News, he explained that falsehoods related to all aspects of COVID-19, have become commonplace. “There seems to be barely an area left untouched by disinformation in relation to the COVID-19 crisis, ranging from the origin of the corona virus, through to unproven prevention and ‘cures’, and encompassing responses by governments, companies, celebrities and others.” He added that “in a time of high fears, uncertainties and unknowns, there is fertile ground for fabrications to flourish and grow. The big risk is that any single falsehood that gains traction can negate the significance of a body of true facts. “When disinformation is repeated and amplified, including by influential people, the grave danger is that information which is based on truth, ends up having only marginal impact.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his video message to the nation touched upon the topic of fake news that is spreading faster than the pandemic. We must make people aware, he said. We need to fight the fake news relating to the corona virus that is being spread, Modi also said. Let us kill fake news, the Prime Minister also said.
Top tips for tackling misinformation
- Stop and think. If you have any doubts about something’s accuracy, don’t share it.
- Check the source. The most reliable sources of information on corona virus are public health bodies, such as the World Health Organization.
- Pay attention to quality. Reputable sources have high standards when it comes to grammar and presentation. Typos and odd formatting may be an indicator of inaccuracy.
- Beware emotional posts and consider biases. We are more likely to share content that corresponds with our own opinions or that excites powerful emotions, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s accurate.
- Beware emotional posts and consider biases. We are more likely to share content that corresponds with our own opinions or that excites powerful emotions, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s accurate.
- Ask a pro. Several reputable media organisations offer fact-checking services free of charge, or have fact-checking teams tasked with identifying misinformation on social media.
Fears are growing that this phenomenon is putting lives at risk, prompting some with symptoms to try unproven remedies in the hope of ‘curing’ themselves. UNESCO, the UN educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is leading efforts to counter falsehoods and promote the facts about the virus.
But a word of warning: Try not to overload your social media followers—or yourself—with too much news.
Modi Raises Terrorism, Fake News During COVID-19 Pandemic
New Delhi, Apr 03:
On Monday, the Indian prime minister joined over 30 heads of states and governments of NAM member states in an online summit.
For the first time since he took over six years ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday took part in a summit of the Non-Aligned Movement, albeit virtually, where he raised issues about terrorism, fake news and “doctored videos”
Highly accurate!!
With world being hit by as bad circumstances as a pandemic, the people still find out time to spread nuisance, rumours, fakes news and sell threats to humanity by spreading manipulated and false fake information and myths about covid 19. It’s the time when the people need themselves to be aware and strive to know the real world scenario by legitimate sources and means
A brilliant piece addressing a serious issue. With more individuals joining digital platforms through social media every year, it is essential to create a safe digital space with true information. The problem of ‘fake news’ has an intense effect in countries such as India considering the digital literacy rate. As the population has low literacy rate, it becomes difficult for individuals to differentiate between true and false information. With the advent of Artificial Intelligence powered softwares, such as ‘Deepfake’ that has the capability of creating fake videos, the need for stringent cyber security laws increases. The views are my personal opinion that are open to criticism.
It is appreciable that the article has emphasized on the burning problem of India. Fake news have always been circulated in India. However, in the times of COVID 19, their number and the damage that can be done by them has been increased significantly. The tips mentioned in the article are very easy to understand and every one can apply them.
It’s really convey what a true citizen want to say
Fake news spread more faster than epidemic.During the lockdown season we hear lots of news regarding covid19 . Earlier I heard a fake news that Corona virus can be killed with excessive heat and sunlight.There is a vaccine found for Corona in march . Another news was China started exporting torn cloths instead of mask s there was picture came in internet also,but that picture was for some cases and it was prevail in internet for past 7 years . Fake news will also manipulate the people.These are section and offence related to spreading fake news such as 505 (1) of IPC -speading rumours, circulating of rumours,publication and it’s punishment upto 3years with a fine.Section54 of disaster management act2005 -creating false alarms related to disaster.
In this time of crisis, the spread of fake news seems quite disheartening. But as they say “an empty mind is devil’s workshop”, fake news has significantly risen during this pandemic. There are people preaching possible cures, spreading communal hatred and misinforming about the government’s actions. What is even more saddening is the pace at which this fake news travels, and its effects could be disastrous. Thus the article is pertinent to spread awareness and provides useful tips to identify news that is fake.
very informative article.
In the tips section 1 point is repeated please correct it.
The article conveys a very powerful message on how a simple fake whatsapp forward can have devastating effects on one’s health and well being. Fake news spreads faster than a wild forest fire and has an even graver affect on the lives of the people. It is highly appreciated on the part of the author to point out the fake news is not a problem related to region or a country, but effects the world at large. the tips mentioned are highly useful too. kudos to the author for doing such in depth research on the topic.
Brilliant Article from the author, Thanks!
FAKE news can be very dangerous and many people blindly believe the Whatsapp forwards and start panicking. This can lead to disturbances in society taking into consideration the present situation of COVID-19 Pandemic.
very knowledgeable article about the cyber crime and their precautions, also gives the guidelines to protect from cyber crimes.
Spreading of false information and fake news can really trigger the community at large. The author has raised concerns about the same by giving examples which will help people to exactly know the gravity of such petty act.
Very important topic of the time. As it is very important that correct knowledge is spreaded in the society as these fake news creates a lot of chaos in the society. And as we know this through news media that a lot of problems are faced by the govt. that these fake news has led to very bad influence on the people and hatred among the people.
this article is spreading awareness in the time of COVID-19 because so much of false information is regulating.
This is so accurate. People keep recieving fake information of covid-19 and a lot of people get panicky becausee of it. This article is very much accurate and informative
An accurate topic which actually needs some light ,people knowing the fact that the forwarded news they are getting can be fake still consider it a true fact and start circulating again this happens because of lack of knowledge among people about how harmful these news can be there was a live example in front of me my house help is currently living in a nearby village during lockdown there was a rumor spread among themselves that modiji has declared lockdown till some date and there was total chaos in that area every worker wanted to go home they were using various tactics to get out from there and in that course of time many people were found corona +ve they were relieved when after a day or two they came to know it was a fake news spread with a intension to create this panic among people ,it affected lots of life ,people should understand even if they have slightest of doubt regarding a news they should verify it first we have medium for testing of the fake news for checking photos media we have LABNOL and for videos we have INVID and many more sites awareness about it is necessary this article provides quality information
This article was interesting as well as knowledgeable. The writer has shed light on incidents that are occurring in these troubled times. The conclusion could have been better but still a good article
Great article nice work shown by the author.
As now a days most of the fake news are being shared on internet only and sometime these news are used for inciting people on basis on gender caste and religion. It should be totally avoided and that’s why sometime the government itself has to shutdown the internet so as to avoid nuisance and destruction.
The problem of ‘fake news’ has an intense effect in countries such as India considering the digital literacy rate. As the population has low literacy rate, it becomes difficult for individuals to differentiate between true and false information.
Fake news spreads faster than a wild forest fire and has an even graver affect on the lives of the people. It is highly appreciated on the part of the author to point out the fake news is not a problem related to region or a country, but effects the world at large.
we indians especially the older people need to get more educated about fake news since they are more sensitive towards whatever pops up on their whatsapp and facebook and this write up will surely do the relevant work since it explains all the aspects like hatred,what are the consequences and relying on these fake news can be hell dangerous for everyone around us.
i will surely forward this article into my family groups and i hope others do as well.
great job!
Well written article and this article will definitely help those who don’t check the received news before forwarding without think about the fact it could be fake too which may result bad for someone.
Nowadays fake news is spreading like a virus on internet and misleading everyone. These fake news and information is really dangerous for everyone and the effects it has is pathetic. This article covers an important aspect regarding this fake stuff being published on social platforms. Relying on these can create great problems and this topic is something that everyone should be aware about.
Fake news related to corona virus is being circulated all on all social media apps such as watts app, Instagram, Facebook. The take down policy has helped a lot in this pandemic. The article is very informative providing information about the same.
The article provides various insights to the topic of fake news , which are unknown to the people at large.The older people need to get more educated about fake news since they are more sensitive towards whatever pops up on their whatsapp and facebook .this article must be very much useful to get aware of the fake news and avoid fake news during this COVID-19 crisis.