How Individual Responsibility can conquer the Threat of Fake News!

By Indian Express

(Reporter- Narayan Gole, Photographer- Kushagr Agrwal)

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Day 2 of the UN Commission on Information saw the delegates discuss cyber bullying as a grave concern due to the rampant presence and effect of social media. Several delegates highlighted how inappropriate pictures shared on social forums May be fake, but cause irreparable harm to individuals. Strict action was suggested to be taken against such cases. Several delegates termed this phenomenon as “Cyber Terrorism” and stressed that it was the duty of the public to be alert to the danger of fake news. It is important that the common public not spread it further.

Another concern raised was that of privacy. Often lack of privacy can result from the individuals own carelessness, since most social media forums offer safety mechanisms, but these may not be known to the individuals using the platform. Delegates stressed that social media should be used in a responsible manner—especially when dealing with the possibility that a piece of news could be fake. The delegate of Canada stressed the need for individuals to be alert about fake and real news by cross-checking any forwarded news with verified news providers.

The delegates then discussed the side-effects of the leaking of personal information into the wrong hands. The Apple representative on the committee stated that the company was working on a software that can identify fake news. Several delegates spoke about the different laws enforced in their countries to inhibit the spread of fake news. Others highlighted several solutions for dealing with the problem of fake news.

Towards the end of the day, the delegates were assigned the work to prepare three working papers which would set forth the problem, its side-effects and offer solutions to overcome it.

Looking forward to a great discussion on these papers in tomorrow’s meeting!