Dhaka, Dec 04 (V7N)— A recent study from Statista, a leading social media monitor, reveals that India has emerged as a global leader in the spread of fake news, topping the list of countries responsible for misinformation on social media. Alongside India, countries like Brazil, the Philippines, Mexico, Russia, the USA, Indonesia, Nigeria, South Africa, and Türkiye also rank high on the list.

Interestingly, Bangladesh is not among the top 10 countries listed for spreading fake news, which is considered a positive aspect for the country. According to the report, while the impact of false information on social media in Bangladesh remains relatively low, there is still a moderate to high risk of disinformation, which could pose challenges in the future.

Other studies, including a survey conducted by technology giant Microsoft, echo similar findings, with India continuing to be a hotspot for the spread of misinformation. The Microsoft study found that over 60% of Indian internet users had encountered fake news online, exceeding the global average of 57%. In addition, a concerning 50% of respondents in India reported being victims of online fraud, while 42% claimed to have experienced phishing or spoofing attempts.

These findings align with the World Economic Forum's 2024 Global Risk Report, which highlights the growing threat of disinformation and misinformation in India, categorizing it as one of the most significant risks in the country, even surpassing the threat of epidemic infections.

Fake news in India is a long-standing issue, with the country's reliance on unverified information circulating widely through social media platforms like WhatsApp, where India leads with over 300 million users. The rapid forwarding of messages among family and friends, often without fact-checking, contributes significantly to the spread of false information.

Notably, mainstream media outlets in India, including The Print, The Hindu, India Today, and Times of India, have also been implicated in publishing unverified news stories, particularly regarding Bangladesh. Since the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, fake news targeting Bangladesh has surged across Indian media and social platforms.

During the 17th session of the United Nations Forum on Minority Affairs held in Geneva, Bangladesh raised concerns about false reports and exaggerated claims related to the persecution of minorities in the country. The government emphasized its readiness to welcome international journalists to visit Bangladesh and witness the reality for themselves, aiming to counter misinformation and restore its image on the global stage.

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