UPSC Mains 2026 · GS III · Q9 · 10 marks · 150 words

Explain how fake news and disinformation pose threat to Internal Security and Public Order in Indian context ? In this regard, discuss salient features of amendments in respect of Information Technology (Intermediatory Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021.

हिन्दी में

भारतीय संदर्भ में, फर्जी समाचार और दुष्प्रचार किस प्रकार आंतरिक सुरक्षा और सार्वजनिक व्यवस्था के लिये खतरा पैदा करते हैं, इसका वर्णन कीजिये । इस संदर्भ में, सूचना प्रौद्योगिकी (मध्यस्थ दिशानिर्देश और डिजिटल मीडिया आचार संहिता) नियम-2021 के संबंध में किये गये संशोधनों की प्रमुख विशेषताओं पर चर्चा कीजिए ।

Media and Social Networks

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “Disinformation has become a serious threat to internal security.' In the light of the statement, mention the role of the State in prevention of fake news.”

Shakti DubeyAIR 1 · CSE 2024 · 192 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a figure

According to NCRB - There were more than 1500 cases of fake news observed during pandemic year - which is ~214% rise from previous years.

Disinformation is a serious threat to internal security because -:

Body · points

(1) It leads to impact on public opinion - shaping the mindset of people (2) Used to create propaganda & spread hatred (3) Leads to - religious indoctrination (4) Reduces the credibility of the data & informs (5) Creates mistrust in society (6) can lead to challenges like - Mob lynching, communal tussle etc

Role of state in preventing fake news state must act as a nodal agency to keep a check on spread of such information it is done through:

  1. Institutional measures: -> PIB fact check unit -> NCIIPC - National Critical Information infrastructure protection centre - which 24x7 monitors the data online -> collab with private entities eg Facebook etc

  2. Legal measures: - Fake information spreading is considered a crime under IT Act 2000

Close · a way forward

Despite these efforts we see the issue of fake news. Government needs to use advanced technologies like AI, Big data Analytics, etc to keep a check on data online

3 more toppers’ answers to this question, part by part, and how they all approached it: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026, General Studies Paper III, Q9. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.