ArdorComm Media Group

Contact Us
logo
Menu
logo
ArdorComm ArdorComm ArdorComm

fake news

Parliamentary Committee to Review Media Issues: Fake News, Sensationalism, and Declining Newspaper Readership

Leave a Comment / / Media Entertainment & Art Community

A parliamentary committee meeting on Friday is set to address various pressing media concerns, including “rampant” paid news, fake news, and the rise of sensationalism in TV channels. The Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, led by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, will review the implementation of media laws and discuss factors impacting the media landscape. Key issues likely to be raised include the disproportionate focus on crime and celebrity news, which often comes at the expense of serious, impactful reporting. Sources say that media trials, which shape public opinion and influence legal outcomes, will also be discussed. Additionally, the committee may highlight the decline of traditional newspapers, particularly in the face of digital disruption and declining readership. The meeting will address concerns over TV debates, which often devolve into shouting matches, as well as conflicts of interest within media ownership, journalists, and political entities. Such conflicts, the sources noted, undermine the credibility of news reporting and compromise ethical standards due to a lack of strong regulatory mechanisms. The committee may also bring up the long-drawn legal battles that journalists and media houses face, which discourage investigative reporting. Financial struggles of regional and vernacular media outlets, as well as the havoc caused by fake news during elections, are expected to be major points of discussion. Additionally, the committee is likely to examine the impact of foreign-owned social media giants and the need for regulation to prevent harm to society, political leaders, and even the country. Key figures, including the Information and Broadcasting Secretary, Prasar Bharti CEO, Press Registrar General, and Press Council of India Chairperson, are expected to appear before the panel. Source: Telegraph India

Parliamentary Committee to Review Media Issues: Fake News, Sensationalism, and Declining Newspaper Readership Read More »

Survey: Germans See Social Media as the Main Source of Fake News

Leave a Comment / / Media Entertainment & Art Community

A recent study by the Bertelsmann Foundation reveals that 81% of Germans view the spread of disinformation as a significant threat to democracy, with social media emerging as the primary source of fake news. The survey highlights widespread concerns about the impact of online misinformation on elections, social cohesion, and contentious topics like migration, health, climate change, and war. Approximately 78% of respondents worry that such falsehoods could influence electoral outcomes and deepen societal divisions. Two-thirds of participants identified active social media users and bloggers as the main culprits behind the spread of misinformation. Additionally, 53% pointed to foreign governments, and half of the respondents even accused the German government of contributing to the problem. Despite these concerns, the study found that 93% of respondents trust the media but believe fake news is deliberately propagated to undermine confidence in politics and democracy. Some social media users have proposed that Germany adopt measures similar to Türkiye’s “Disinformation Combat Center,” a government initiative designed to counteract false information. The rise of misinformation on social media has become a global concern, with many nations grappling with its impact on political polarization and public trust. Germany’s experience underscores the urgent need for robust strategies to combat fake news and safeguard democratic processes. As disinformation continues to grow, Germany and other nations face increasing challenges in balancing free speech with efforts to protect their democracies from the erosion of public trust.  

Survey: Germans See Social Media as the Main Source of Fake News Read More »

I&B Minister Warns Big Tech: Address Fake News or Risk Losing ‘Safe Harbour’ Protection

Leave a Comment / / Media Entertainment & Art Community

Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw issued a stern warning to Big Tech companies on National Press Day, urging them to take stronger measures against fake news and algorithmic biases. Speaking at a Press Council of India event in Delhi, the minister highlighted four critical challenges impacting the news media: misinformation, AI-generated content, algorithmic manipulation, and unfair compensation for traditional media. Vaishnaw called out digital platforms for failing to verify information, leading to the unchecked spread of fake news, which he described as a “threat to democracy.” He suggested revisiting the Safe Harbour clause under Section 79 of the IT Act, 2000, which currently grants immunity to platforms like Meta and X for user-generated content. The minister argued that the provision, formulated in the 1990s, is outdated given the vast influence of today’s digital platforms. “In a country as diverse as India, misinformation and algorithmic bias pose significant societal risks. Platforms must take greater responsibility to align their operations with our sensitivities,” he said. On algorithmic bias, Vaishnaw criticised platforms for amplifying sensational content to boost engagement, often at the cost of social harmony. He advocated for ethical solutions that prioritize responsible dissemination of information. The minister also addressed the economic disparity between traditional and digital media, urging Big Tech to ensure fair compensation for conventional media outlets that create original content. Highlighting the risks of artificial intelligence, Vaishnaw raised ethical concerns over AI-generated content and its impact on creators’ rights and recognition. He called for open debates and collaborative efforts to address these pressing issues, emphasizing the need for accountability and fairness in digital media governance. The speech underscored the government’s growing focus on regulating Big Tech and safeguarding democratic values in the digital era. Source: Indiatvnews Photo Credit: Indiatvnews

I&B Minister Warns Big Tech: Address Fake News or Risk Losing ‘Safe Harbour’ Protection Read More »

Ashwini Vaishnaw Identifies Four Key Challenges for News Media in the Digital Era

Leave a Comment / / Media Entertainment & Art Community

Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, highlighted four significant challenges confronting news media amidst the rapidly evolving media landscape. Speaking at a National Press Day event organized by the Press Council of India in Delhi, he outlined concerns related to fake news, algorithmic bias, fair compensation, and the impact of AI on intellectual property rights. Fake News and Disinformation Vaishnaw emphasized the pervasive threat posed by fake news, stating: “The rapid spread of fake news undermines trust, endangers democracy, and raises questions about accountability for content on digital platforms.” He urged society to address the lack of verification and responsibility on these platforms, pointing out their role in exacerbating social tensions globally. Fair Compensation for Conventional Media The shift in news consumption from traditional to digital media has created financial strain for conventional outlets. Vaishnaw highlighted the asymmetric power dynamics between content creators and digital platforms, advocating for fair compensation: “Traditional media invests significant time and resources in creating verified content. This effort must be suitably compensated to preserve journalistic integrity.” Algorithmic Bias The Minister flagged the issue of algorithmic manipulation by digital platforms, designed to maximize engagement rather than prioritize factual accuracy. “Algorithmic bias can incite strong reactions and misinformation, with severe societal consequences, especially in a diverse country like India,” he warned. Vaishnaw urged platforms to develop solutions that mitigate their systems’ adverse impacts. Impact of AI on Intellectual Property Rights Vaishnaw raised ethical and economic concerns over the use of AI models trained on content from creators without proper acknowledgment or compensation. “AI-generated content is derived from vast databases of music, writing, and art, yet original creators often go uncredited and uncompensated. This is not just an economic issue but an ethical one,” he remarked. Vaishnaw stressed the need for open debates and societal consensus to address these challenges: “As pioneers in technology, we must rise above politics, engage in meaningful discussions, and develop solutions to protect the fabric of our society.” These issues, he warned, will only grow in prominence, necessitating proactive measures to safeguard democratic values and journalistic integrity in the digital age. Source: Indiatvnews Photo Credit: Indiatvnews

Ashwini Vaishnaw Identifies Four Key Challenges for News Media in the Digital Era Read More »

Bahraich Police Warns Right-Wing Media Against Spreading Fake News Amidst Communal Clashes

Leave a Comment / / Media Entertainment & Art Community
ArdorComm news

Following the recent communal clashes in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, local police have issued strict warnings against the dissemination of fake news, particularly by certain right-wing media outlets. The violence, sparked by a dispute over loud music during the Durga idol immersion procession on October 13, led to the death of 22-year-old Ram Gopal Mishra and left several others injured. Media outlets, including Aaj Tak and Zee News, have come under fire for allegedly spreading misleading information regarding Mishra’s death. Reports claimed that Mishra was subjected to brutal torture, including electric shocks and mutilation, before his death. Sudhir Chaudhary, a well-known journalist with a history of controversial reporting, echoed these false reports on Aaj Tak, suggesting Mishra’s death was the result of unprecedented violence against Hindus. The Bahraich police were quick to debunk these claims, stating that Mishra had died from gunshot wounds after being shot 20 times during the clashes. A video surfaced showing Mishra storming into a Muslim household and vandalizing the property before being shot. The police confirmed that the cause of death was solely due to bullet injuries, with no evidence of torture or mutilation. In response to the misinformation circulating on social media, the Bahraich police have issued public warnings on their official X-page, urging people not to spread false narratives that could escalate communal tensions. They emphasized that legal action would be taken against those found guilty of disseminating misleading information. The police clarified the situation through a statement: “Misinformation like electrocuting the deceased, killing him with a sword, and pulling out nails was spread on social media to disturb communal harmony. The postmortem clearly shows the cause of death was gunshot wounds. We urge everyone to refrain from spreading rumours and maintain peace.” The clashes and subsequent riots led to the suspension of internet services in Bahraich to prevent further unrest. Over 55 people have been detained, and the situation, while still tense, is gradually returning to normal. BJP MLA Shalabh Mani Tripathi also added fuel to the fire by targeting Muslim journalists in a controversial post, questioning their impartiality and accusing them of protecting rioters. His actions have been criticized for exacerbating communal tensions at a time when efforts are being made to restore peace. Source : Siasat Daily

Bahraich Police Warns Right-Wing Media Against Spreading Fake News Amidst Communal Clashes Read More »