An Examination of Regulatory Frameworks in India Regarding the Control of Fake News on Social Media Platforms

Abstract

The impact of social media on daily life and its influence on shaping opinions has become a focal point of academic inquiry. Social media platforms serve as conduits for the rapid dissemination of fake news, amplifying messages that promote abuse against minorities and facilitate the spread of incendiary content. The term "fake news" encompasses various forms of misinformation intentionally fabricated to mislead individuals and cast doubt on factual information. This includes propaganda, satire, and profit-driven misinformation. Many political entities maintain dedicated IT departments for disseminating fabricated information.

In India, there is no direct regulatory framework specifically targeting fake news, and indirect regulations sometimes conflict with the right to freedom of speech and expression. This paper outlines the existing regulatory mechanisms, tools, and techniques used for regulation, identifies loopholes in current regulatory approaches, and advocates for the need for dedicated legislation to address fake news. It also explores the potential repercussions of regulating social media content, considering its potential impact on individual rights to freedom of speech and expression.

Furthermore, the paper discusses various measures taken by WhatsApp in response to concerns raised by the Indian government regarding fake news dissemination.