India Intensifies Crackdown on Misinformation Following Pahalgam Attack and Operation Sindoor, Removing Over 1,000 Social Media Posts Daily
NEW DELHI – In the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor, the Indian government has launched a significant offensive against online misinformation and disinformation campaigns, issuing takedown orders for over 1,000 social media posts every day. Authorities are invoking Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, which empowers the central government to block online content deemed detrimental to national security, sovereignty, integrity, defense, foreign relations, and public order. This aggressive approach underscores the government’s growing concern over the spread of false narratives and their potential to incite unrest and undermine national security. The escalating number of takedowns reflects the scale of the challenge and the government’s determination to control the narrative surrounding these sensitive events.
The misinformation campaign, which has intensified since the Pahalgam attack, has targeted various aspects of the situation, including inaccurate reports about military operations, fabricated statements attributed to government officials, and misleading claims about public safety measures. Officials have confirmed that numerous social media accounts involved in disseminating this false information are being targeted. The daily removal of over 1,000 posts signifies a substantial escalation in the government’s efforts to curb online disinformation. The sheer volume of malicious content being removed daily highlights the pervasiveness of these campaigns and the urgent need for swift action.
The government’s actions extend beyond simply reacting to existing misinformation. Proactive measures are being taken to enhance coordination and collaboration between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), and major social media platforms. High-level virtual meetings have been conducted to address the issue and streamline the process for takedown requests. These discussions focus on improving compliance with government orders and strengthening the platforms’ own internal monitoring mechanisms to identify and remove misinformation more effectively. The collaborative approach aims to establish a more robust and efficient system for tackling disinformation campaigns.
The Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) Fact Check unit has also played a crucial role in this campaign, significantly increasing its activities to debunk false claims related to the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. Over the past two weeks, the PIB Fact Check unit has identified and debunked at least 15 fabricated stories circulating online. These include false reports of the removal of Air Marshal S.P. Dharkar, fake letters purportedly from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, baseless claims about the cancellation of government exams, and misleading information concerning the deployment of armed forces. The Fact Check unit has been actively leveraging its official social media channels, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), to disseminate accurate information and counter the spread of misinformation.
The range of misinformation targeted by the PIB Fact Check unit demonstrates the multifaceted nature of the disinformation campaigns. From fabricated official communications to misleading reports about military operations and public safety measures, the spread of false information aims to create confusion, incite panic, and erode public trust. The proactive efforts of the PIB Fact Check unit in promptly identifying and debunking these false claims serve as a vital countermeasure to these malicious campaigns.
This crackdown on disinformation represents a broader government initiative to strengthen India’s cybersecurity posture and protect information security following the recent Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. The targeting of terrorist cells in Pakistan during Operation Sindoor further underscores the government’s commitment to national security and its determination to counter both physical and online threats. The heightened focus on misinformation control reflects the growing recognition of the disruptive potential of online disinformation campaigns and their ability to undermine national security and stability. The government’s ongoing efforts demonstrate a proactive stance in safeguarding the integrity of information and protecting the public from malicious online activity.
