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.
