In a global risk report released by the World Economic Forum, ahead of general elections in India, the spread of misinformation and propaganda in the country has been highlighted as a significant concern.
The report suggests that Modi government and other political parties are extensively using misinformation and disinformation on a large scale for political gains and success in elections.
The report emphasizes the growing risk of social cleavages and polarization in India. It predicts that the dissemination of false and misleading information poses the most significant threat to India in the next ten years.
The widespread use of propaganda and false statements is seen as a political strategy, also as a potential cause for urban unrest, protests, and hate crimes in the country.
World Economic Forum's Global Risk Report: #India leads in disseminating false information, particularly in context of upcoming #GeneralElections.
— SAMAA TV (@SAMAATV) January 29, 2024
The report points to #Modi govt's campaigns as potential sources of #misinformation, risking pluralization. #SamaaTV pic.twitter.com/n1nLTEo5Kh
The report raises concerns that the spread of false information could have negative impacts on social cohesion and mental health among the Indian population.
Furthermore, it notes that the BJP government's pressure has led to the removal of links to documentaries on YouTube and BBC Gujarati exposés.
According to the report, these actions of spreading misinformation align with political agendas and involve the active participation of social media.
The rising prevalence of misinformation and the decline in press freedom in India were reflected in the Press Freedom Index, where India ranked 161 out of 180 countries last year.
In a related context, last year, The Washington Post exposed the Disinfo Lab, an organization dedicated to propaganda about the Indian government, particularly to the international image of Prime Minister Modi's cabinet.
Disinfo Lab's propaganda, widely disseminated on social media, involves the collaboration of BJP operatives, former intelligence officers, military officials, and government ministers, according to The Washington Post's report.
The BJP engages in spreading anti-Muslim propaganda on social media to garner support from extremist Hindus, and it has established a vast network of over 150,000 social media workers for this condemnable purpose, according to The Washington Post.
