Report reveals surge in misinformation targeting Muslims in India since 2021
New Delhi: A recent analysis conducted by Boom Live has unveiled a disturbing trend of misinformation aimed at the Muslim community, indicating a sharp rise in fake news in India since 2021.
The comprehensive study, published in three languages, scrutinized 1,190 fact-checks, with 183 of them specifically targeting Muslims, shedding light on a troubling surge in false information.
The research underscores that a staggering 84.2% of the statements directed at Muslims sought to stoke ‘demographic concern,’ underscoring a concerning escalation in Islamophobic rhetoric within Indian politics.
In terms of religious groups, Boom Live fact-checked 211 stories, with a significant 87% targeting Muslims, 11% Hindus, and 0.9% Christians. Notably, false claims aimed at Muslims were more sectarian, comprising 72.2% compared to those against Hindus, which stood at 5.26%.
The report underscores a stark polarization, with 94.4% of claims being anti-Muslim and 5.6% anti-Hindu.
Instances of misinformation affecting both communities were debunked, including fabricated stories like a Hindu-Muslim marriage leading to violence.
Boom’s exhaustive investigation further revealed 77 fact-checks discrediting misreported news. It found mainstream Indian media outlets such as News18, Times Now, and Zee News to be significant sources of media-related falsehoods in 2023, with Asian News International (ANI) topping the list among wire agencies.
The report also exposes media outlets falling for misinformation from right-wing accounts, including those of Megh Updates and Rishi Bagree.
A monthly analysis of misinformation themes in 2023 highlighted a worrying increase in Islamophobic claims, particularly peaking in January, February, July, and December.
False allegations related to the Israel-Palestine conflict spiked in October and November, while misinformation about the Manipur violence circulated between May and August.
In conclusion, the report emphasizes the urgent need for heightened awareness and fact-checking measures to combat the rampant spread of misinformation, particularly targeting marginalized communities like Muslims.
