By Maria Gul
In an era where information flows faster than ever before, the rise of digital disinformation has emerged as a major social and political threat—especially in South Asia. Countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka have seen the devastating effects of fake news, algorithmic manipulation, and online propaganda. While social media platforms have revolutionized access to information, they have also become battlegrounds for ideological warfare, hate speech, and state-sponsored disinformation campaigns. This digital distortion undermines democratic processes, polarizes societies, and endangers minority communities.
South Asia, one of the most densely populated regions in the world, is home to hundreds of millions of internet users—many of whom are first-time smartphone owners. The rapid digital transition, combined with low levels of media literacy, makes this population particularly vulnerable to manipulation. In India, for example, WhatsApp has been used to spread rumors that led to mob violence. In Pakistan, political parties and state institutions have been accused of deploying coordinated social media campaigns to shape public opinion, often by disseminating misleading or entirely false content. Similar trends are observed in Bangladesh, where disinformation has fueled communal tensions and social unrest.
One of the most alarming aspects of disinformation is its strategic weaponization by political actors. Ruling parties and opposition groups alike use online platforms to attack rivals, create echo chambers, and amplify divisive narratives. Algorithms designed to increase engagement often end up promoting sensational and polarizing content, creating fertile ground for fake news. During election seasons, political disinformation peaks. Deep-fake videos, doctored speeches, and falsified news reports circulate widely, confusing voters and undermining trust. What should be a time of informed debate often turns into a festival of lies and manipulated realities.
Perhaps the most tragic consequence of digital disinformation is the erosion of social cohesion. In a region already fraught with ethnic, sectarian, and religious divisions, the spread of falsehoods targeting minority communities has led to real-world violence and discrimination. Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar were dehumanized through Facebook posts before the military crackdown in 2017. In India, Muslims were falsely accused of spreading COVID-19 and labeled as part of a “Corona jihad” on platforms like Twitter and YouTube. In Pakistan, online spaces have been used to incite hate against marginalized communities. These campaigns go far beyond online discourse—they foster environments where violence becomes normalized and justice is delayed or denied. Misinformation also erodes trust in institutions, the media, and even among citizens, leaving societies more fragile.
Technology giants like Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), Google (YouTube), and X (formerly Twitter) have repeatedly faced criticism for their failure to act responsibly in non-Western contexts. Despite being aware of the risks, they often delay content moderation or lack the linguistic and cultural expertise needed to detect harmful content in languages like Urdu, Hindi, Bengali, or Tamil. Their profit-driven algorithms prioritize engagement over accuracy, allowing fake news to spread faster than factual reporting. While steps like content labeling and fact-checking are positive, they are often too little, too late—frequently coming only after significant damage has been done.
Governments in South Asia have attempted to counter disinformation through stricter internet regulations and new cybercrime laws. While addressing online disinformation is essential, many of these laws are vaguely worded and open to misuse. In practice, they are often used to suppress dissent. Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) has been employed to silence journalists and critics. In India, the IT Rules 2021 grant the government broad powers to take down content. Bangladesh’s Digital Security Act has been condemned by human rights groups as excessively harsh. While regulation is necessary, it must not come at the cost of civil liberties. The fight against disinformation must also safeguard freedom of speech and democratic space.
Disinformation is not solely a technological problem—it is a human one. The most sustainable solution lies in empowering citizens with critical thinking skills. Media literacy education must become a part of school curricula, community programs, and adult learning initiatives. Journalists, educators, influencers, and civil society organizations all have a role to play. Fact-checking initiatives need greater funding and reach. Tech companies must invest in better local language moderation and work transparently with civil society. Democratic societies must foster open discussions about the ethical responsibilities of information in the digital age.
The battle against digital disinformation is not just about fixing algorithms or writing better policies—it is about the kind of societies we aspire to build. South Asia stands at a pivotal moment. The region can either slide further into a post-truth dystopia or take meaningful steps to foster resilient democracies grounded in truth, accountability, and inclusive dialogue. Disinformation must be recognized as a serious threat to democracy, peace, and human rights. The truth must be reclaimed—not only online, but within politics, communities, and our collective consciousness.
The Author is student of International Relations at International Islamic University Islamabad. She writes about contemporary socio-political issues with a focus on digital governance, democracy, and social justice in South Asia.