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Understanding the Spread of Misinformation

Logo: Tech-tonic

Have you received a forwarded message on WhatsApp? Before you hit share, take a moment to think. With rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the spread of misinformation is accelerating, fueled by social media algorithms. That shocking video you just viewed? It might be generated by AI. That sensational image making the rounds? It could be altered. That alarming headline that caught your attention? It may be completely fabricated.

False information can lead to panic, heighten tensions, and even provoke violence. Therefore, it is vital to recognize and refute misinformation before sharing it. You can help mitigate this chaos by verifying information using digital tools and applying critical thinking.

Common Tactics Used in Fake News

Common fake news tricks:

Deepfakes: AI-generated videos or audio that imitate real individuals.

Recycled news: Presenting old events as if they are current.

Fabricated official documents: Fake government notices or military orders.

WhatsApp hoaxes: Viral messages with unverified urgent alerts.

Edited social media posts: Altered tweets or screenshots of public figures.

Out-of-context media: Genuine clips used to promote false narratives.

Fake experts: Impostors pretending to be authorities to mislead.

Steps to Combat Misinformation

Digital actions you can take to stop the spread:

If content incites outrage or fear, it is likely designed to do so. Always verify before sharing, as accuracy is more important than speed. Start with these verification tools:

1. Trusted fact-checking websites:

Stay updated with these reliable platforms that investigate and expose fake news:

Alt News (altnews.in): Debunks political misinformation, viral images/videos, and hate speech.

BoomLive (boomlive.in): Uncovers deepfakes, altered media, and WhatsApp forwards.

FactChecker.in: Focuses on policy promises and statistical misinformation.

PIB fact check (factcheck.pib.gov.in): A government-run site that debunks fake circulars/orders attributed to ministries.

Newschecker (newschecker.in): Investigates viral social media posts using geolocation tools.

2. Utilize Google Search:

Copy the headline or key phrase and paste it into Google. Look for reports from reputable news sources. If only obscure websites or social media posts appear, it is likely false. Click on the “News” tab to see if credible media has reported it. If no trustworthy sources cover it, the story is probably untrue.

3. Conduct a reverse image search:

Save the suspicious image. Visit Google Images () and upload the image by clicking the camera icon. On mobile, switch to desktop mode in Chrome for the upload option. Google will show where else the image has appeared (old news, different context) or if it has been photoshopped (different versions will appear) or if it is from a movie/TV show (common in fake war videos).

4. Verify a viral video:

Pause the video at a clear frame and take a screenshot. Use the reverse image search tool again. If the video is old or reused, Google will show older matches.

Check YouTube metadata:

If the video is on YouTube, check the upload date (old videos are often reposted as ‘new’) and the comments section (people often debunk fake videos here).

6. Use InVID for deep analysis:

Install the InVID verification plugin (invid-project.eu) on Chrome or other browsers. It analyzes metadata, extracts keyframes, and checks timestamps to reveal deepfakes, edited clips, and recycled viral videos.

Common red flags:

Only shared on WhatsApp/X, no news coverage.

Image appears overly dramatic or blurry (common in edits).

Video has unnatural cuts or lacks sound (indications of tampering).

Headline uses ALL CAPS or excessive punctuation.

During a crisis, misinformation not only confuses but also provokes and escalates situations. As digital citizens, we must question what we encounter. So, before sharing that shocking video or outrageous claim, take a moment to pause, investigate, and verify. Staying informed is not just wise; it is a civic responsibility.

Cyber-pulse: According to a Reuters Institute’s digital news report, 64% of Indian users rely on social media for news, compared to the global average of 36%.

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