In the Indian context, explain how fake news and misinformation pose a threat to internal security and public order. Discuss the salient features of amendments under Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. (150 words)

Misinformation is false or manipulated information; disinformation is deliberately created or circulated to deceive. Digital virality magnifies their security effects.

Deepfakes can trigger communal violence, panic and mob justice; hostile actors exploit them for radicalisation, election manipulation, military deception and distrust in institutions. Encrypted forwarding, bots and micro-targeting make attribution and rapid correction difficult.

The 2021 Rules introduced due diligence for intermediaries, grievance officers, time-bound complaint handling, removal of intimate imagery, traceability-related obligations for significant messaging intermediaries and a framework for digital news/OTT ethics. Later amendments created a fact-checking mechanism for government-related information, raising concerns about executive overreach and free speech.

Use transparent independent fact-checking, platform audits, media literacy, due process, judicial oversight and privacy-preserving investigation under Article 19(2).

internal security; national security; governance; India