Pandemic year 2020 saw over 200 per cent increase in fake news and rumours.
According to the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data circulation of “false/fake news” and rumours, a crime under the Indian Penal Code, saw nearly a three-fold rise in 2020 over 2019
A total of 1,527 cases of fake news were recorded in 2020, a 214 per cent increase against 486 cases in 2019 and 280 cases in 2018, when the category was first included.
Telangana with 273 cases tops the list of states followed by Tamil Nadu (188) and Uttar Pradesh (166). Hyderabad tops the list of cities with 208 cases, followed by Chennai (42) and Delhi (30).
IPC Section 505, a broad provision relating to “statements conducing to public mischief”, punishes acts of rumour mongering and circulation of false news.
Addressing fake news is crucial in containing the spread of the coronavirus. However, it is important to note that several states had labelled those raising an alarm over shortage of beds and oxygen as spreading fake news to crush all anti establishment reports.
Also Read Fake vaccine watch: Centre issues guidelines on how to find out if your covid-19 vaccine is fake