“Today, tech companies control global narratives and encroach upon citizens' rights. I’ve been a personal victim of deepfakes and fake news," said Singh.
Published Apr 26, 2025 | 4:45 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 26, 2025 | 4:45 PM
The session on Facts vs Fiction: Countering Disinformation brought together a global panel of policymakers, digital rights activists, and political leaders who delved into the growing crisis of misinformation and disinformation in the digital era.
Synopsis: Speakers at a session on ‘Facts vs Fiction: Countering Disinformation’, held as part of the two-day Bharat Summit-2025 in Hyderabad, spoke about the dangers of disinformation unleashed online.
Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Friday, 25 April, expressed concern over the growing erosion of democratic values due to the unchecked spread of disinformation, stating that hatred was now being amplified “at the click of a button”.
Addressing a session on Facts vs Fiction: Countering Disinformation on the opening day of the Bharat Summit-2025 in Hyderabad, Singh said, “Today, tech companies control global narratives and encroach upon citizens’ rights. I’ve been a personal victim of deepfakes and fake news. Words I never said were attributed to me.”
The session brought together a global panel of policymakers, digital rights activists, and political leaders who delved into the growing crisis of misinformation and disinformation in the digital era.
Thanisara Ruangdej, CEO and Co-founder of Thailand-based platforms Punch Up and WeVis, highlighted the challenges posed by an overwhelming surge of information.
“We live in an era of information overload, and there is a deliberate weaponisation of fake content by political and geopolitical actors. This brings a heightened importance to data analysis and fact-checking,” she said.
Former Member of the European Union Parliament Miapetra Kumpula-Natri echoed similar concerns and underlined the EU’s efforts in tackling digital misinformation.
“What is illegal offline must be illegal online,” she said. “We educate active citizens because that is basic for democracy. In Finland, we call it multi-literacy—it helps people make informed decisions and find trusted information sources. We don’t ban mobile phones in pre-education, but we adopt age-appropriate measures to limit their use.”
Matthew William Faulding of the UK’s Labour Party offered a cautionary perspective, sharing how AI-generated videos and viral disinformation have impacted British politics.
“The first Labour government was taken down by disinformation. In the digital world, things happen much faster. An additional challenge is WhatsApp—it’s hard to trace the origins of misinformation. Lies travel faster, and fake news can ruin lives,” he warned.
Malaysian lawmaker Ramkarpal Singh revealed that his country is planning tighter licensing laws and a new media council to hold digital platforms accountable. “We support strong legal frameworks that do not curb free speech but make stakeholders accountable,” he said.
Indian MP Mallu Ravi called for immediate digital literacy efforts, especially in schools. “Just as cigarettes carry a health warning, unverified content should come with disclaimers. Disinformation spreads hate and divides society—we must act before it is too late,” he said.
The broader context of the summit, organised in Hyderabad, was outlined by Telangana Minister for Irrigation and Congress leader Uttam Kumar Reddy. He described the two-day Bharat Summit-2025 as a historic event positioning Telangana at the forefront of global efforts for justice and equity.
“This summit is focused on addressing various forms of justice—social, economic, and environmental. The larger theme is delivering global justice,” said Reddy. “We are proud to host over 450 foreign delegates from more than 100 countries, representing left-liberal and progressive parties from across the globe.”
Reddy expressed optimism that the discussions would culminate in a shared resolution reflecting a collective commitment to inclusive governance, social harmony, and global cooperation.
The summit continues on Saturday, 26 April, with sessions on climate justice, equitable healthcare, and digital governance.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
