The Global Disinformation Crisis: A Call for Action at the Bharat Summit 2025
Hyderabad, India – The Bharat Summit 2025, a two-day international gathering of policymakers, activists, and political leaders, commenced with a stark warning about the escalating threat of disinformation in the digital age. Held in Hyderabad, the summit’s opening session, “Facts vs Fiction: Countering Disinformation,” brought together a global panel to dissect the multifaceted challenges posed by the spread of false and misleading information online. Senior Indian Congress leader Digvijaya Singh delivered a powerful address, highlighting the erosion of democratic values and the manipulation of narratives by tech companies. Citing his own experiences as a victim of deepfakes and fake news, Singh stressed the urgent need to address this growing menace.
The pervasiveness of disinformation and its weaponization by political and geopolitical actors emerged as a central theme of the discussion. Thanisara Ruangdej, CEO and Co-founder of Thai platforms Punch Up and WeVis, emphasized the overwhelming volume of information confronting individuals and the deliberate spread of fake content. This deliberate manipulation, she argued, necessitates robust data analysis and fact-checking mechanisms to separate truth from falsehood. Former EU Parliament Member Miapetra Kumpula-Natri underscored the importance of regulating online spaces, asserting that "what is illegal offline must be illegal online." She further highlighted the EU’s focus on fostering "multi-literacy" to empower citizens to identify credible information sources and make informed decisions.
The impact of AI-generated content and the rapid dissemination of misinformation through platforms like WhatsApp also came under scrutiny. Matthew William Faulding of the UK Labour Party recounted how disinformation campaigns have historically affected British politics, noting the accelerated pace and amplified reach of such campaigns in the digital age. He warned of the devastating consequences of unchecked fake news, emphasizing its potential to ruin lives. Malaysian lawmaker Ramkarpal Singh echoed these concerns and revealed Malaysia’s plans to implement stricter licensing laws and establish a media council to hold digital platforms accountable for the content they host. These measures, he argued, would not stifle free speech but rather ensure responsible online behavior.
Indian MP Mallu Ravi called for immediate and widespread digital literacy initiatives, particularly within educational institutions. He advocated for clear disclaimers on unverified online content, drawing a parallel to health warnings on cigarette packages. Emphasizing the societal divisions fueled by disinformation and hate speech, Ravi urged swift action to prevent further polarization. Telangana Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy, in his opening remarks, positioned the Bharat Summit 2025 as a landmark event aiming to address social, economic, and environmental justice on a global scale. He highlighted the summit’s broad focus on "delivering global justice" and expressed pride in hosting over 450 delegates from more than 100 countries.
Reddy outlined the summit’s ambitious agenda, which encompassed discussions on a wide range of issues, including climate justice, equitable healthcare, and digital governance. He expressed optimism that the summit’s deliberations would culminate in a shared resolution, solidifying a collective commitment to inclusive governance, social harmony, and international cooperation. The summit’s focus on digital governance reflects the growing recognition of the need for international collaboration in addressing the challenges posed by disinformation and the manipulation of online narratives. The experiences shared by panelists from diverse regions underscored the global nature of this crisis and the urgency of finding effective solutions.
The accounts of politicians targeted by deepfakes and fabricated stories highlighted the potential for disinformation to undermine democratic processes and erode public trust. The discussions at the Bharat Summit 2025 served as a wake-up call, urging governments, tech companies, and civil society organizations to work together to combat the spread of disinformation and safeguard democratic values. The summit’s emphasis on digital literacy and media accountability reflected a growing understanding of the need to empower individuals to navigate the complex digital landscape and identify credible sources of information. The call for stricter legal frameworks and platform accountability signaled a shift towards holding tech companies responsible for the content shared on their platforms. The summit’s focus on global cooperation highlighted the need for international collaboration in addressing the transnational nature of disinformation campaigns.