'Fake News a Threat to Democracy': Ashwini Vaishnaw Tells Lok Sabha

New Delhi: Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday (December 3) said fake news was a threat to democracy, and that social media is being used to create certain ecosystems that do not wish to follow the Constitution or comply with the laws enacted by Parliament.

While the government did not provide any data on the action taken on such fake news on social media and private news channels, Vaishnaw said that “anything which is sold in the name of freedom of speech but is fake news or fake narrative must be actively countered.”

"I sincerely want to say fake news is a threat to our democracy today. We need to take strict action on fake news, AI generated deepfake. The manner in which social media platforms are being used to create certain ecosystems who do not follow the Constitution or the laws made by parliament, strict action is needed,” said Vaishnaw during question hour in the Lok Sabha.

Vaishnaw’s response came to a question raised by independent MP Rajeev Ranjan who had asked whether there has been an increase in the circulation of fake and misleading news by the social media sector including private sector news channels and the action taken by the government. While asking the question, Ranjan also said that such fake news is often used by news channels without verifying its authenticity that creates divisions in society.

“Recently new rules have been brought in including takedown order within 36 hours, as well as on AI generated deepfakes and consultation is underway,” said Vaishnaw.

Vaishnaw said that a parliamentary committee has also examined the matter and received valuable suggestions.

"Ultimately this is a fine delicate balance between freedom of speech and protecting our democracy. The government is working on this fine balance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has democratised technology and we should see its positive impact as well. The government is working on strengthening institutions,” he said.

In a supplementary question, Congress MP Manickam Tagore said that in his written reply, the minister had listed the rules and mechanisms but gave "zero data".

"Can the minister confirm whether the government has taken even a single punitive action against the major news channels or the influential social media accounts spreading fake news about the opposition leaders and farmer movements in the past two years? If yes, kindly mention the cases. If not, then please answer why the government selectively targets only the criticism of the union government," he said.

In response, Vaishnaw said that the government and the Press Council of India have been actively looking at all complaints.

“The government and Press Council of India have been actively looking at any complaint that comes against a TV channel or a newspaper. This is something which is very important for protecting our democracy. We must always be aware that anything which is sold in the name of freedom of speech but is fake news or fake narrative must be actively countered,” he said.

“This is the responsibility of the central government, state government and civil society. We must collectively work towards making sure that the trust in our society is maintained and is further strengthened and as far as the central government is concerned we will continue to take any action to curb fake news,” he added.

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