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Fake News Crackdown - The Flaws

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August 25, 2018

What is the issue? 

  • The onus for curtailing the fake news menace is disproportionally being shifted on the social media platforms.
  • It needs to be recognized that a collaborative approach addressing both the technology and social sides is needed.

Why is the government’s approach to address the problem flawed?

  • Fake news and rumour mongering through social media has reached epic proportions in recent times with deadly consequences.
  • In this context, the government has adopted a flawed approach in resolving the ongoing security crisis due to fake news being circulated on social media.
  • Notably, social media platforms like WhatsApp are being disproportionately pressured into accepting the blame for the malice.
  • They are also being burdened with finding a solution for mob lynching incidences, which isn’t their main domain.   
  • Further, in their focus to trace the origin of fake news, government has been calling for undoing the encryption, which might violate the privacy of millions.
  • Notably, as user data is highly sought after by unscrupulous elements, it is important to have a system that is completely encrypted end-to-end.

What is the government’s stand on data privacy?

  • Policy makers have taken a contradictory stance with regard to data issues.
  • On one hand they want digital players such as Facebook to plug data leaks but on the other they are asking WhatsApp to give access to specific user data.
  • Even more dangerous is the attempts by the Centre to block applications such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and Telegram on security grounds.
  • If such a mechanism is put in place, there is always the possibility of regimes misusing the system to bulldoze privacy and freedom of speech.

What is the way ahead?

  • Rather than deploying strong-arm tactics on technology providers alone, the Centre needs to try addressing problem at the consumer end too.
  • The Centre itself needs to send strong signals that it is serious about addressing rumour mongering and lynching incidences.
  • This can be done by seriously pursuing those who have already been caught pushing out fake messages to cause social disharmony.
  • The State policing machinery has to be empowered to catch anyone responsible for circulating fake messages, irrespective of political affiliations.
  • On their part, technology companies should do more in creating awareness and educating users about fake messages.
  • WhatsApp is coming up with various innovative ideas to curtail the spread of fake news, but much remains to be done in this regard.

 

Source: Business Line

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