Shaking The Foundation Of Fake News
The Hindu|September 19, 2019
Battling disinformation must involve a fight against the narratives that act as grist for the rumour mill
Ruchi Gupta
Shaking The Foundation Of Fake News

Combating fake news is a growing preoccupation of the technology platforms, the political class, the news media, and an increasing tribe of citizens concerned about democracy being hijacked. There is a perception that fake news is a new phenomenon linked to the rise of social media; however, this is only half the story. Governments and political actors (anyone in the business of mobilising public opinion) have always invested in disinformation campaigns to build narratives of their choice. In fact, it is because the institutional news media is no longer seen as an arbitrator of the ‘real news’ — having lost credibility due to complicit and motivated reporting — that fake news has been able to thrive now. The advent of social media has merely decentralised the creation and propagation of fake news. It is this that has led to the ubiquity of and difficulty in controlling/eliminating fake news.

The current response to fake news primarily revolves around three prongs — rebuttal, removal of the fake news item and educating the public. While these are necessary measures, it is not apparent that they are sufficient in themselves to address the larger ‘political’ problem posed by fake news.

Rebuttal and removal

This story is from the September 19, 2019 edition of The Hindu.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September 19, 2019 edition of The Hindu.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE HINDUView All
‘Olympics Cancellation Likely If Vaccine Not Found In Time'
The Hindu

‘Olympics Cancellation Likely If Vaccine Not Found In Time'

Further delays impossible, says Tokyo Games organising panel chief Mori

time-read
1 min  |
April 29, 2020
It's Wholesale Only At Koyambedu Market
The Hindu

It's Wholesale Only At Koyambedu Market

Retail outlets to remain shut to bring down crowding.

time-read
2 mins  |
April 29, 2020
Ministry Does U-Turn On Plasma Therapy
The Hindu

Ministry Does U-Turn On Plasma Therapy

Treatment not proven: Health official

time-read
2 mins  |
April 29, 2020
Trump's Bleach Statements Echo Claims By Pseudo-Scientists
The Hindu

Trump's Bleach Statements Echo Claims By Pseudo-Scientists

‘Miracle cure’ quacks have long promoted industrial bleach to treat autism, malaria and many other medical conditions

time-read
3 mins  |
April 29, 2020
U.S. May Seek Damages From China
The Hindu

U.S. May Seek Damages From China

President says many options on the table to hold Beijing accountable, draws an angry response

time-read
2 mins  |
April 29, 2020
Koyambedu Market May Be Shifted Out
The Hindu

Koyambedu Market May Be Shifted Out

Decision likely at today's meeting of stakeholders; aim is to enforce physical distancing

time-read
2 mins  |
April 28, 2020
Massive Spike Of 522 Cases In Maharashtra
The Hindu

Massive Spike Of 522 Cases In Maharashtra

On Monday, cumulative tally surged to 8,590 positive cases with 27 more deaths

time-read
2 mins  |
April 28, 2020
The Script Of Disruption And A New Order
The Hindu

The Script Of Disruption And A New Order

Across the globe, the geopolitical and geo-economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic could be serious

time-read
6 mins  |
April 28, 2020
A Policy Road Map To Tackle Covid-19
The Hindu

A Policy Road Map To Tackle Covid-19

The interest of each and the interests of all now coincide, not only within nations but for all humanity

time-read
5 mins  |
April 28, 2020
ICMR Says No Payment Made For Chinese Test Kits Supplies
The Hindu

ICMR Says No Payment Made For Chinese Test Kits Supplies

Alleged profiteering by distributors supplying the kits

time-read
2 mins  |
April 28, 2020