A recent analysis by Boom Live highlights the alarming trend of misinformation targeting the Muslim community.
The study, published in three languages, examined 1,190 fact-checks, revealing that 183 of them specifically targeted Muslims, emphasizing a concerning surge in fake news since 2021.
According to the research, 84.2% of statements directed at Muslims aimed to fuel ‘demographic concern,’ indicating a rise in Islamophobic rhetoric in Indian politics.
In contrast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi faced only 63 fact-checks, with positive assertions overshadowing misleading claims.
The analysis delves into political affiliations, revealing that out of 70 fact-checks on political party statements, 33 targeted the BJP, 21 the Indian National Congress, and 8 the Aam Aadmi Party.
The Israel-Palestine war emerged as the most fact-checked topic of 2023, with over 100 fact-checks.
In terms of religious groups, Boom fact-checked 211 stories, with 87% targeting Muslims, 11% Hindus, and 0.9% Christians. Notably, false claims aimed at Muslims were more sectarian (72.2%) compared to those against Hindus (5.26%).
The report highlights a stark difference in polarization, with 94.4% of claims being anti-Muslim and 5.6% anti-Hindu.
The instances of misinformation affecting both communities were debunked, such as a fabricated story about a Hindu-Muslim marriage leading to violence.
Furthermore, Boom’s comprehensive investigation revealed 77 fact-checks discrediting misreported news. Key findings include mainstream media outlets, such as News18, Times Now, and Zee News, being major sources of media-related falsehoods in 2023. Asian News International (ANI) topped the list among wire agencies.
The report also exposes media outlets falling for misinformation from right-wing accounts, including those of Megh Updates and Rishi Bagree. Notably, the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup, IPL, and individual cricketers were the most frequently misreported subjects.
A monthly analysis of 2023’s misinformation themes revealed a concerning increase in Islamophobic claims, peaking in January, February, July, and December.
False allegations related to the Israel-Palestine war spiked in October and November, while misinformation about the Manipur violence circulated between May and August.
The report concludes by emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and fact-checking in combating the spread of misinformation.