Why in the News?
In India, although many people are worried about fake news and misinformation, they don’t mostly blame the government for it. Instead, many people are okay with the government having more control over the media, according to a recent survey by the Pew Research Centre.
What does the Pew survey reveal about misinformation and government control in India?
- High concern about fake news: 65% of Indian respondents said made-up news and information is a “very big problem,” placing India among the top 10 countries with the highest concern.
- Low emphasis on need for free media: Only 68% said it is very or somewhat important for the media to report news without government censorship, the second-lowest among 35 countries surveyed.
- Belief in media freedom: 80% of respondents believe that the Indian media is currently “somewhat” or “completely” free from state intervention, among the highest in the survey.
- Misinformation seen as non-governmental: Citizens largely attribute fake news to sources like social media and WhatsApp, rather than to state action or censorship.
Why is there a contradiction between concern for fake news and support for state control?
- Misinformation blamed on non-state actors: Many Indians see fake news as stemming from social media platforms like WhatsApp or Facebook, not from government channels. Eg: Viral misinformation during elections is often attributed to private forwards, not official news broadcasts.
- Trust in government regulation over systemic reforms: There is greater public belief that the state can control misinformation better than a free and independent press. Eg: Support for internet bans during riots or unrest, viewed as a way to stop rumors, even if it limits press freedom.
- Low awareness of press freedom deterioration: Despite India’s declining World Press Freedom Index ranking, most respondents think the media is already free. Eg: 80% of Indians believe media is free, while only 68% think freedom from state censorship is important.
How does India’s World Press Freedom Index ranking reflect on media freedom?
- Deteriorating Position Globally: India ranked 159 out of 180 countries in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, reflecting a serious decline in media independence and journalist safety. Eg: India has consistently ranked below 100 since 2003, showing a long-term concern.
- Gap Between Perception and Reality: While 80% of Indians believe media is free, global rankings suggest significant censorship, legal pressure, and harassment of journalists. Eg: Arrests and raids on independent news portals contradict the public’s belief in press freedom.
- Impact of State Influence and Surveillance: The low ranking indicates increasing state influence, with reports of surveillance, restrictions on digital media, and pressure on newsrooms. Eg: Pegasus spyware allegations against journalists in India highlight these issues.
- Legal and Political Threats to Journalists: India’s ranking reflects how stringent laws (like UAPA and sedition) are used against journalists, creating a chilling effect on independent reporting. Eg: The arrest of journalist Siddique Kappan under UAPA demonstrates misuse of laws.
- Public Support for Control vs. Press Freedom Standards: Despite the low press freedom score, a large section of Indians supports state control over the media, showing a disconnect between democratic ideals and citizen expectations. Eg: Only 68% Indians see uncensored reporting as important—the second-lowest globally.
Where is the “press freedom gap” reversed according to the survey?
- India and Kenya Show Reversal: Unlike most countries, India and Kenya are the only two where more people believe the media is free than believe media freedom is important. Eg: In India, 80% say the media is free, but only 68% feel uncensored reporting is important.
- Contrary to Global Trend: In 33 out of 35 countries, the importance of media freedom is rated higher than the belief that it actually exists, but India and Kenya show the opposite. Eg: In Greece, a higher number want free media but few believe it actually exists, unlike India.
- High Confidence Despite Global Ranking: Even though India’s global press freedom ranking is poor (159/180), public confidence in existing media freedom remains oddly high. Eg: 80% Indians feel the media is free despite evidence of censorship and harassment.
- Low Awareness of Press Challenges: The reversed gap suggests a lack of public awareness about the extent of media control, censorship, or intimidation. Eg: Many Indians attribute misinformation to social media platforms rather than government control.
- Potential for Justifying State Control: Since many believe the media is already free, there is less pressure on governments to ensure genuine press freedom, and greater acceptance of censorship. Eg: High public tolerance allows laws and actions against journalists to go unchallenged.
Way forward:
- Enhance Media Literacy and Public Awareness: Launch nationwide campaigns to educate citizens about the role of a free press, the risks of censorship, and the importance of independent journalism. Eg: School curricula and public broadcasts can include modules on identifying misinformation and understanding media freedom.
- Strengthen Institutional Safeguards for Press Freedom: Enact legal and institutional reforms to protect journalists from harassment, ensure transparency in state actions, and promote accountability in media regulation. Eg: Independent media commissions and judicial safeguards against misuse of laws like UAPA.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2014] What do you understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss.
Linkage: “Freedom of speech and expression”, which is guaranteed by Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution and forms the fundamental basis for press freedom in India.
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