Evolution of Misinformation in Indian Elections: From 2019 to 2024

The landscape of misinformation in Indian elections has undergone a significant transformation from 2019 to 2024, marked by technological advancements and a surge in AI-generated content. While hate speech and disinformation were prevalent in the 2019 elections, the emergence of deepfakes and text-to-image generators has intensified the challenge. Social media platforms struggle to contain the spread of fake news, while the Indian Government updates legislation to address the proliferation of deepfakes.

With the generative AI boom, perpetrators find it easier to target marginalized groups, amplifying the risk of electoral misinformation. As the average Indian voter faces knowledge gaps in discerning reality from AI-generated content, there’s a pressing need for awareness and vigilance to safeguard democracy’s integrity. The forthcoming coverage by The Hindu promises to offer insights and guidance to navigate this evolving landscape of synthetic chaos, empowering voters with context and clarity amidst the deluge of misinformation.