India’s government has taken/?very action/?to combat misinformation and disinformation following the events of Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, marking a significant step towards maintaining national sovereignty and security. The central government, in accordance with Section 69A of the Indian IT Act, has been actively blocking and removing false information and disinformation from social media platforms. This scenario underscores the growing government’s emphasis on digital security and accountability as part of broader broader initiatives to fortify India’s cyber posture and information security.
The surge in malicious content hasDXLiked previously was exacerbated, now leading to a wave of repeated greetings by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), and other key intermediaries. These meetings were a convergence point for efforts to address and comply with The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s (MIB) last-minute requests for content removal, in collaboration with the Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) Fact Check unit. These meetings were instrumental in combating misinformation that was allegedly being disseminated by various social media outlets.
Following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, India’s Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) Fact Check unit has intensified its efforts to combat misinformation since the ongoing Operation Sindoor in May 2021. Over the past fortnight, the agency has identified and debunked at least 15 false claims, including those related to the removal of Air Marshal S.P. Dharkar and the deployment of an armed forces in January 2021. The agency has prominently used its official social media platforms, notably on X (former Twitter), to launch these efforts, ensuring that the information published was accurate and free from bias.
With both Pahalgam terror attacks and Operation Sindoor occurring, India’s measures against misinformation are becoming more granular. The central government’s active enforcement of the IT Act, Section 69A, not only restricts the dissemination of false information but also acts as amirror to the broader measures taken by the administration to strengthen cybers-only monitoring anddeclaration for public safety. This latest blockade could also be seen as a bold response to the growingTraversal of disinformation in India’s cyberspace, ensuring that the country remains as safe and secure as it can be.
As a result of these actions, the Pahalgam terror attack is said to have prevented the influence of any false information from reachingensitive sectors. The measures taken by the government, as displayed on X, the former tweet hub, are also intended to prudent protection of social media platforms and ensure that diverse voices can prevail. This shift marks a significant step in India’s resilience against the ingress of misinformation, underpinned by a steadfast commitment to social responsibility and accountability.
