The Centre has adopted a flawed approach in resolving the ongoing security crisis due to fake news being circulated on social media platforms such as WhatsApp. It is unfair to put the onus on the social media platforms alone for providing a solution to the menace of mob attacks and lynchings due to fake news. Security requirements must also take into account the privacy rights of millions of genuine users. WhatsApp is therefore right in saying that it cannot trace back messages to their origin. Any such measure would encroach upon the privacy of users. In a digital ecosystem where user data is highly sought after by unscrupulous elements and hackers, it is important to have a system that is completely encrypted end-to-end. Data leaks at Facebook and Uber in the recent past have proven beyond doubt that the encryption has to be so high that even WhatsApp or anyone working for the company should not be able to get access to the user data. Policy makers have taken a contradictory stance where on the one hand they want digital players such as Facebook to plug data leaks but on the other they are asking WhatsApp to give access to specific user data. What is even more dangerous is the attempt by the Centre to find ways to block mobile applications such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and Telegram on security grounds. If such a mechanism is put in place , there is always the possibility of regimes misusing the system to bulldoze privacy and freedom of speech in a politically charged environment.

The Centre itself needs to send strong signals that it is serious about addressing the issue. This can be done by seriously pursuing those who have already been caught pushing out fake messages to cause social disharmony. The State policing machinery has to be empowered to catch anyone responsible for circulating fake messages, irrespective of political or religious leanings. On their part, technology companies should do more in creating awareness and educating users about fake messages. While much has been done in this regard, clearly more needs to be done. For example, WhatsApp’s decision to restrict forwarding of messages to five users may only have limited impact in curtailing rumours. Instead, what it could do is that once a message has been reported and identified as fake, it should be permanently tagged so that if someone tries to circulate the same message many months later it should only be transmitted with a statutory warning.

Rather than deploying strong-arm tactics to force a solution on technology providers alone, the Centre needs to address the consumer end as well and adopt a collaborative way to tackle the menace of fake news.

comment COMMENT NOW