Google Reinforces Commitment to Combatting Misinformation and Empowering Newsrooms in India
In 2024, the global news landscape faced significant challenges, with elections, conflicts, and the persistent spread of misinformation demanding accurate and timely reporting. Google News played a crucial role in navigating these complexities, particularly in India, where it focused on empowering newsrooms, combating misinformation, and strengthening the overall news ecosystem. Recognizing the critical need for reliable information, Google invested heavily in various initiatives aimed at supporting Indian publishers and journalists.
Central to Google’s efforts was its involvement in the Shakti initiative, a collaborative project designed to tackle the pervasive issue of misinformation, especially in the context of the 2024 Indian elections. Shakti, meaning "power" in Sanskrit, brought together over 50 news publishers and 300 journalists across India. These journalists, representing various regional languages, worked tirelessly to debunk false narratives, deepfakes, and other misleading content. Google’s support for Shakti proved instrumental in amplifying fact-checks and expanding the reach of accurate information to a wider audience. The initiative achieved remarkable success in a short period, demonstrating the power of collaboration and technology in combating misinformation.
The results of the Shakti initiative were impressive. Fact-checks were published 78% faster than before the program, and 67 new fact-checking desks were established across the country. This rapid response capability proved invaluable during the election cycle, allowing journalists to quickly address misleading information before it could gain widespread traction. In just three months, over 6,600 fact-checks were amplified, signifying a 180% increase in regional language fact-checks and a remarkable 92% rise in election-related fact-checks. This surge in fact-checking activity significantly contributed to a more informed public discourse during a crucial political period.
Beyond combating misinformation, Google also focused on empowering newsrooms through cutting-edge technology. Recognizing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI), Google launched new AI training programs designed to equip journalists with the skills needed to responsibly integrate AI tools into their workflows. These programs covered areas such as transcription, translation, and data analysis, enabling news organizations to enhance their efficiency and expand their reach. By providing access to advanced AI capabilities, Google aimed to support journalistic innovation and help newsrooms adapt to the evolving media landscape.
Furthermore, Google expanded its News Showcase program, a licensing agreement that pays publishers for high-quality content and provides readers with deeper insights into important news stories. This program now encompasses eight languages in India, further strengthening Google’s commitment to local news. The Indian Languages Programme, launched in June 2023, has also demonstrated remarkable success. This program has supported over 500 publishers across 28 states, resulting in a 15% increase in active users and a 32% surge in page views. By investing in local language content, Google aimed to cater to a wider audience and support the growth of regional news outlets.
Durga Raghunath, Head of India News Partnerships at Google, expressed pride in the substantial impact of the company’s collaborations with Indian news publishers. She highlighted the importance of understanding evolving user behaviors, driving modernization efforts, and creating new revenue opportunities for news organizations. Raghunath emphasized the success of the Shakti initiative in fostering collaboration and effectively combating misinformation. Looking ahead to 2025, Google aims to build on these achievements and further enhance its value proposition for both publishers and the broader news ecosystem. The company remains committed to supporting quality journalism, fighting misinformation, and empowering newsrooms to thrive in the digital age.