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