Representational image.
Fake news about dead young children is used to incite the crowd to accept the planned murder of real young children, writes Prachi Arya.
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News of the alleged beheading of Jewish children and young men by fighters from Hamas, the administrator of Gaza, in the latest outbreak between Israel and Palestine, spread like wildfire and had a global impact.
More recent allegations, however, have sought to identify the falsity of videos showing Hamas beheading young children and Israelis, adding children as shields.
In another case, a viral video from 2016, showing a Syrian insurgent organization beheading a child in Aleppo, was posted on Twitter and connected to the ongoing crisis. Upon fact-checking, other similar images from 2016 were discovered, unrelated to the existing outbreak. It was also found to be falsely linked to the recent violence.
A quick search on the AI-based Chat GPT platform indicates that reports of minors being targeted by Hamas are unverified and likely false.
A recent Al Jazeera article highlights the fact that most of the anti-Palestinian disinformation comes from India. It also highlights the spread of disinformation online through far-right accounts in India.
An Al Jazeera newspaper mentions that accounts allegedly connected to the “BJP computer cell” have been actively spreading disinformation similar to the latest Palestinian-Israeli outburst.
The article mentions that accounts allegedly connected to the notorious “computer cell” of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have been actively spreading disinformation about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“BJP IT Cell” is an umbrella term used to describe social media and the online communication wing of the right-wing Hindu party that is ultimately the ruling regime in India. The party’s mobile IT plays a role in shaping your online presence and disseminating information. and interact with supporters and critics.
India’s disinformation campaign includes false claims that Hamas kidnapped a Jewish baby and a video falsely showing Palestinians kidnapping other people to turn them into sex slaves.
The Al Jazeera article shows that many accounts sharing those fake videos have also posted anti-Muslim comments on social media platforms. Such narratives serve to stoke hatred and spread Islamophobia and hate speech online.
When global crises and emergencies arise, whether it’s the Covid pandemic or countries at war, a generation is co-opted to serve the narrative of the toughest stakeholders.
In such situations, online resources that regularly connect other people around the world and provide access to critical data are a tool for manipulating public opinion.
Accusations that people, including children, are being used as shields in Israel and Palestine are not new. In fact, the protracted standoff between Israel and Palestine has been marred by accusations and counter-accusations related to the use of human shields, adding that they involve children. Both sides have made such claims in opposition to others, adding in 2018 and 2007.
Israeli forces intentionally threaten civilians, including children, to deter attacks or gain a tactical advantage, as noted by Amnesty International and the United Nations, which have documented cases where Palestinians have reportedly been coerced or forced to act as human shields. On the other hand, Israel has accused Hamas of intentionally using Israelis and Palestinians, adding children, as human shields.
The highly polarized nature of the confrontation gives rise to contradictory narratives and interpretations of events. In addition, investigations into these allegations are hampered by limited access to the areas of confrontation and the lack of cooperation on both sides.
The highly polarized nature of the confrontation gives rise to contradictory narratives and interpretations of events. In addition, investigations into these allegations are hampered by limited access to the areas of confrontation and the lack of cooperation on both sides.
It is critical to note that while the widespread use of virtual technologies exacerbates data, it is by no means a product of data technology. Fake news predates the rise of virtual platforms for data.
For example, the news that Hamas is harming young children is strikingly similar to reports about the Gulf War that claimed Iraqi infantrymen dumped young children from incubators in Kuwait’s hospitals and left them to die. This story was widely disseminated and influenced public opinion, but it was later revealed to be a fabrication, part of a well-orchestrated propaganda crusade aimed at justifying the army’s intervention.
In the virtual age, the risk of fake news is pervasive and raises urgent concern. Fake news, called disinformation when it’s intentional and disinformation when it’s not, has far-reaching consequences. Not only does this shape public opinion and influence occasions such as elections, but it can also incite violence.
The “WhatsApp lynchings” of 2018, in which messages circulated on the popular WhatsApp messaging platform spread rumors about child abductors operating in parts of the country and sparked a wave of panic and concern among the public, are the best example of this phenomenon. Tragically, several other people have lost their lives as a result of mob attacks following false rumors.
This misinformation can be accompanied by manipulated images, videos, and text messages, which can be designed to manipulate feelings and drive a sense of urgency that leads to the immediate spread of incorrect information.
Arguably, the pernicious nature of fake news peaked during the Covid pandemic, leading to an “infodemic” due to the abundance of misinformation.
In the case of the WhatsApp lynching, the lack of verification and critical thinking, combined with the immediacy of those messages, led to a harmful scenario where innocent lives were lost to the spread of false information.
Arguably, the pernicious nature of fake news peaked during the Covid pandemic, leading to an “infodemic” due to the abundance of erroneous data. Among other things, this included false claims about unproven remedies or cures, as well as misleading and damaging data about self-confidence. medicament.
Even when no lives are at stake, the mental effect of fake news can cause profound damage. Fake news uses emotional manipulation techniques, such as the use of compelling narratives or evocative imagery, to elicit strong emotional reactions.
When Americans are confronted with alarming or upsetting headlines, they can trigger emotional reactions such as fear, anger, or anxiety, contributing to higher degrees of stress that negatively impact intellectual health.
Like the struggle to discern what is true and what is false, constant exposure to incorrect information can lead to a state of heightened vigilance and distrust, contributing to a general sense of unease and anxiety. in an already tense situation.
In India, news is regulated through a complex legal framework that covers cable TV, newspapers, online platforms, and videos used to address cases such as the WhatsApp lynching in 2018.
For example, the Supreme Court of India, in the case of Tehseen S. Poonawalla v. Union of India, prescribed safe rules to state governments, adding the registration of an Initial Information Report (FIR) “under IPC Section 153A and/or other applicable provisions of the Act, against persons who disseminate irresponsible and explosive messages and videos the content of which is likely to incite mob violence and lynching of any kind.
The provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) that can be implemented in cases of fake news and disinformation. Articles such as 153 (incitement with intent to galvanize a mutiny), 153A (promotion of enmity between other teams on grounds of religion, race, etc. . ), and 505 (statements leading to public crimes) can be invoked to deal with cases where fake news leads to violence, community discord, or public disorder.
The Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 provides the legal framework for the investigation and prosecution of criminal offences in India. It includes provisions that can be implemented in cases involving fake news, such as force to conduct searches, evidence, and arrest those involved in spreading false information.
When Americans are faced with alarming or upstraining headlines, they can trigger emotional reactions such as fear, anger, or anxiety, which contribute to higher degrees of tension that negatively impact intellectual health.
Most recently, section 195(d) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill 2023, introduced in Lok Sabha in August to revamp India’s anti-crime laws, seeks to punish the spread of false or misleading news that endangers the country’s sovereignty and security. India: Imprisonment for up to 3 years or a fine, or both.
The Information Technology (IT Act) Act 2000 includes provisions to combat cybercrime. The dissemination of false and false data is basically governed by Article 79 of the Data Protection Act.
The segment grants intermediaries, such as social media platforms, immunity from liability for any third-party content hosted on their platforms. However, intermediaries must also comply with certain due diligence requirements, adding or restricting access to illegal content upon receipt of a court order or government directive.
Therefore, while the Section provides coverage for intermediaries, it does not exempt them from liability for fake news. If an intermediary becomes aware of or is informed through the relevant government company of the presence of fake news on its platform, it must report it immediately. Remove or disable access to that content.
In recent years, the need for intermediary accountability and regulation to combat the spread of fake news has been highlighted. The Indian government sought to hold intermediaries accountable for the spread of false data and proposed amendments to the IT Act to deal with this challenge more effectively.
These developments culminated in the notification of the Information Technology Rules (Guidelines for Intermediaries and Digital Media Code of Ethics), 2021 (Rules) in February 2021. While they don’t address fake news, regulations require online intermediaries and news publications to meet some fundamental requirements. measures to combat the factor of fake news and disinformation.
However, due to the supposedly draconian nature of the rules, they face several demanding situations in Indian courts.
One of the disorders is that the government’s attempts to falsify news, as evidenced by the amendment to the IT regulatory framework, tend to make the government the sole arbiter of what is true and what is false. This is notoriously problematic, especially in democracies, because governments are run by political parties that have a vested interest in presenting one edition of “the truth” at the expense of others.
The Information Technology (IT Act) Act 2000 includes provisions to combat cybercrime. The dissemination of false and false data is basically governed by Article 79 of the Data Protection Act.
While the Indian government’s efforts to combat fake news are commendable, several challenging situations remain. The volume and speed with which misinformation spreads on social media platforms is a huge challenge. The lack of media awareness and literacy among certain segments of society also hampers the effectiveness of such initiatives.
It should be noted that striking a balance between combating fake news and protecting freedom of expression is a delicate task, as government excesses can chill free speech and much-needed critical journalism.
The reaction of social media platforms to the erroneous data has been mixed, to say the least. This refers to measures such as implementing fact-checking systems to identify and label false or misleading data, as well as providing users with more context while being directed to verified resources. of data.
In addition to partnering with fact-checkers, online platforms are also moderating and removing content, as well as algorithmic tweaks to decrease the visibility of false or misleading content and advertise reliable resources of data from trusted resources. User reports and platforms also identify and investigate potentially problematic content more effectively.
For example, Google’s strategy to combat online misinformation relies on think tanks that strive to provide users with reliable, high-quality information while reducing the spread of destructive content. The company has implemented regulations and policies across all of its systems to prohibit certain types of incorrect information. information.
Google also collaborates with partners around the world to fight fake news and has signed agreements such as the European Union (EU) Code of Practice on Disinformation. The tech giant has also explored cutting-edge approaches, such as pre-hosting to build resilience against misleading information. Narratives.
While Google and other online platforms have been jointly denounced by EU and U. S. lawmakers, Google and other online platforms have been jointly denounced by EU and U. S. lawmakers. In the U. S. , X (formerly Twitter) appears to be the biggest loser in the war on misinformation.
While Google and other online platforms have been jointly denounced by EU and U. S. lawmakers, Google and other online platforms have been jointly denounced by lawmakers. In the U. S. , X appears to be the biggest loser in the war on disinformation.
X has faced more controversy related to his technique for spreading fake news since Elon Musk took over the social media company. According to its website, X aims to create a safe and informed environment by taking action against misleading content.
They have separate policies on dissenting data about the crisis, artificial and manipulated media, and election integrity. Misleading content that is false or deceptively shared may be tagged, have reduced visibility, or be removed. X also takes steps to inform and contextualize through sharing data from third-party sources.
They can trick users into interacting with misleading posts and post previous overlays on vital events. X is also testing features that allow users to report incorrect information and provide “community notes” of additional context.
However, there has been an avalanche of misinformation and fake news on the platform, commonly similar to the most recent outbreak of violence between Israel and Palestine since the platform made adjustments that removed headlines when publishing articles and due to heavy layoffs in its ‘trust’ and “security groups that oversee daily communications and mitigate publication and reporting. “Spreading false content. These adjustments have raised considerations about X’s ability to provide reliable information.
The challenge of disinformation through videos is not limited to pro-Israel propaganda. Last week, a viral video on X allegedly showed a Hamas fighter firing a shoulder-mounted rocket and shooting down an Israeli helicopter. Later, it turned out that the footage was from a video game called Arma 3. However, despite the network’s ratings pointing to its misleading nature, the video is still available on X accounts and even Facebook.
The BJP’s IT mobile is known for its extensive use of social media platforms, adding X, Facebook and WhatsApp, to publicise the party’s agenda, counter opposition rhetoric and mobilise support. It is listed as the “IT, Website, and Social Media Management” branch. on the BJP’s website, it is described as a well-organized strategic unit.
Members of the BJP’s mobile IT group are known for their active participation in online discussions, debates and campaigns. They magnify the party’s messaging, protect its leaders and policies, and denigrate its political opponents.
The challenge of disinformation through videos is not limited to pro-Israel propaganda. Last week, a viral video on X allegedly showed an armed Hamas fighter firing a shoulder-mounted rocket and shooting down an Israeli helicopter. Later, it turned out that footage from a video game called Arma 3.
The IT mobile is also concerned with tracking and responding to press reports, verifying accusations from the opposition party, and disseminating similar information to the party.
There is growing evidence that some sections of the BJP, namely the BJP’s IT cell, have been concerned with spreading fake news, fake news and hate speech, although not all BJP members engage in such activities. For example, a recent report found that 205, or 80%, of the 255 anti-Muslim hate speeches documented at demonstrations in the first part of 2023 took positions in BJP-led states and Union Territories.
This complicates an already debatable scenario, in which sections of the ruling political party might simply be actively interested in spreading disinformation about the current flare-up of tensions between Israel and Palestine.
The availability of genuine responses appears to be at an all-time low, given the scale of misinformation and its harmful effects. In addition, there is growing evidence that politicians and tech hardliners can, in the end, benefit from fake news.
Several platforms, such as news agencies and ChatGPT, allow users to take matters into their own hands and check the authenticity of the information.
Establishment of fact-checking organizations that specialize in verifying the accuracy of information. These come with Snopes, FactCheck. org, and PolitiFact. Indian fact-checkers come with boomlive. in and altnews. in. This is a developing tribe.
Cross reference resources and use well-established news agencies with a track record of reliable reporting.
Another solution is the use of impartial truth-seeking bodies, such as the United Nations. Through the United Nations International Independent Investigation Commission on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Palestinians and Israelis in East Jerusalem have undertaken a thorough investigation into “current occasions and have learned of those guilty of violations of foreign law everywhere, whether they are those who directly commit foreign crimes or those in positions of command.
It is undeniable that, even if the facts outweigh the incorrect information in this war for truth, the Israeli-Palestinian crisis is only getting worse. Like fake news about decapitated babies, real young people on both sides are the most tragic victims.
Prachi Arya is a law and policy consultant who has worked in the tech sector for a decade.
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