With the widespread deployment and use of information communication technologies such as social media, print media, over the top (OTT) services, “information” can be accessed or even received without consent. The volume of information has increased so much that at times it is difficult to differentiate right from wrong. Some of the information can cause harm to individuals and to society at large intentionally or unintentionally. UNESCO has divided harmful information into three categories-
- Mal-information: Information that is based on reality, but used to manipulate, mislead or inflict harm on a person, social group, organization or country.
- Disinformation: Information that is false, and the person who is disseminating it knows it is false. It is a deliberate and intentional lie and is created to harm a person, social group, organisation or country. Identity and interest of the creator is hidden.
- Misinformation: Misinformation is information that is false, but the person who is disseminating it believes that it is true. The most common would be WhatsApp forward which we believe is true and share it with others.
The dependency on the Internet and online platforms for news and information is continuing to increase. Information (both right and wrong) have been created and is spreading around in great number, starting “infodemics” a term which is referred to overabundance of information, both online and offline. This includes deliberate attempts to disseminate wrong information to undermine the public response and advance alternative agendas of groups or individuals. Several countries and private sector companies have developed comprehensive strategies to counter this.
The online information environment enables the global exchange of information and ideas, but it also contributes to the proliferation of disinformation. Online platforms operate at a scale where human-based content moderation to counter disinformation is impractical or at least very expensive and where purely technical solutions are challenging because content is often context-dependent. The speed, scale, and complexity of this ecosystem suggests that solutions are needed that consider the global nature of disinformation and effectively blend technical and human capabilities.
How to combat dis- and misinformation. Effectively combatting dis- and misinformation remains a pressing contemporary issue, with various remedies posited by jurists, academics, and activists. The problem lies in –
- Rush to publish first
- Thoughtless re-transmission or forwarding of information
- Promotion of ‘click’ or viral journalism
- Lack of ethics, checks and balances
- Quality, accuracy and standards are not being adhered
- Promoting sensational stories
- Flourishing malpractices.
There is a fine line between seeking legitimate ways to combat the spread of dis- and misinformation online and violating the right to freedom of expression.
Disinformation is a truly global problem, extending beyond the political sphere to all aspects of information, including climate change, entertainment, aviation etc. In India,
- From 2018 to 2023, 330 hoax bomb threats were sent, whereas in 2024 alone 667 hoax bomb threats were sent to various places. These figures do not include threats to flights.
- As per Ministry of Civil Aviation a total of 999 threats were sent to airlines out of which 666 were in month of Oct 2024 alone.
- More than 95% of these threats were sent by email.
The global picture is evolving daily, particularly with responses from individual States – many of which are considering regulation and legislation to tackle the problem. The tech giants, too, have stepped up efforts to try to engineer disinformation and misinformation off their platforms. The European Commission produced a report based on an inquiry, amid concerns that disinformation and misinformation are harmful to all of society. Regarding legislation, Germany moved first with a new law to fine digital platforms heavily if they do not remove ‘illegal content’, including ‘fake news’ and hate speech, within 24 hours of being reported. Other countries like France, Australia, Brazil, UK, Indonesia and India followed soon. While others are suspicious about the move and argue that it will curtail freedom of expression.
The hoax bomb threats to aviation cause-
- Disruption and delays in the airline network
- Increased cost of operations
- Delayed flights for passengers
- Congestion at airports
- Increased security concerns
- Enhanced and costly security measures at airport
Following the high number of bomb threats to aviation, the procedure for determining the severity of threats was adjusted to ensure more efficient functioning by Bomb Threat Assessment Committees in different airports. Additionally, the Aircraft (Security) Rules, 2023 was amended in December to fix a fine amount of 1 crore rupees for those who sent hoax threats.
Reference: Advisory No 2(6)/2024-CL&DG dated 25 Oct 2024, https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2068522.
Honesty is the best policy and silence being the second most. So if you are not sure …. seek more information, check facts, verify sources and get to the truth.
Be Safe. Happy Landings.
