Journalism is in a state of considerable flux. New digital platforms have unleashed innovative journalistic practices that enable novel forms of communication and greater global reach than at any point in human history.

But on the other hand, disinformation and hoaxes that are popularly referred to as “fake news” are accelerating and affecting the way individuals interpret daily developments. In addition, growing polarisation of society on ideological lines has made the job of spreading fake news easier. 

Stronger government action is necessary. For instance Thailand has stringent laws against fake news.Britain has announced the creation of a fake news rapid response unit to reclaim a fact-based public debate. Germany already has an anti-fake news law on its books that provides for a fine of up to 50 million euros ($61.3 million). With the exception of a few free speech extremists, these moves have largely been accepted  both in the relevant countries and in the court of international opinion as necessary and proportionate

Users creating hate content and sharing it can be booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). But the sheer expanse of the Internet and the anonymity it grants makes it difficult to track down people. 

The most important challenge here is to ensure that such state-led efforts are not used as a tool for censorship.Everyone has a responsibility to combat the scourge of fake news. This ranges from supporting investigative journalism, reducing financial incentives for fake news, and improving digital literacy among the general public.

 Unprecedented threats to journalists and media outlets in major democracies and new moves by authoritarian states to control the media, including beyond their borders.

Journalists can often be accused of generating fake news and there have been numerous cases of legitimate journalists being arrested or their work being subject to official scrutiny. In Egypt, an Al-Jazeera producer was arrested on charges of “incitement against state institutions and broadcasting fake news with the aim of spreading chaos.

 Overly restrictive regulation of internet platforms in open societies sets a dangerous precedent and can encourage authoritarian regimes to continue and/or expand censorship. This will restrict global freedom of expression and generate hostility to democratic governance.

Governments around the world can do is to encourage independent, professional journalism. It is important for news organizations to call out fake news and disinformation without legitimizing them. Technology firms should invest in technology to find fake news and identify it for users through algorithms and crowd sourcing and strengthen online accountability. An able, disinterested, public-spirited press, with trained intelligence to know the right and courage to do it, can preserve that public virtue without which popular government is a sham and a mockery. The power to mould the future of the Republic will be in the hands of the journalists of future generations.