The Algorithmic Echo Chamber: How Curated Content Fuels Misinformation
Introduction
The fast-paced development of technology and the wider use of social media platforms have led to the rapid dissemination of misinformation with characteristics such as diffusion, fast propagation speed, wide influence, and deep impact through these platforms. Social Media Algorithms and their decisions are often perceived as a black box introduction that makes it impossible for users to understand and recognise how the decision-making process works.
Social media algorithms may unintentionally promote false narratives that garner more interactions, further reinforcing the misinformation cycle and making it harder to control its spread within vast, interconnected networks. Algorithms judge the content based on the metrics, which is user engagement. It is the prerequisite for algorithms to serve you the best. Hence, algorithms or search engines enlist relevant items you are more likely to enjoy. This process, initially, was created to cut the clutter and provide you with the best information. However, sometimes it results in unknowingly widespread misinformation due to the viral nature of information and user interactions.
Analysing the Algorithmic Architecture of Misinformation
Social media algorithms, designed to maximize user engagement, can inadvertently promote misinformation due to their tendency to trigger strong emotions, creating echo chambers and filter bubbles. These algorithms prioritize content based on user behaviour, leading to the promotion of emotionally charged misinformation. Additionally, the algorithms prioritize content that has the potential to go viral, which can lead to the spread of false or misleading content faster than corrections or factual content.
Additionally, popular content is amplified by platforms, which spreads it faster by presenting it to more users. Limited fact-checking efforts are particularly difficult since, by the time they are reported or corrected, erroneous claims may have gained widespread acceptance due to delayed responses. Social media algorithms find it difficult to distinguish between real people and organized networks of troll farms or bots that propagate false information. This creates a vicious loop where users are constantly exposed to inaccurate or misleading material, which strengthens their convictions and disseminates erroneous information through networks.
Though algorithms, primarily, aim to enhance user engagement by curating content that aligns with the user's previous behaviour and preferences. Sometimes this process leads to "echo chambers," where individuals are exposed mainly to information that reaffirms their beliefs which existed prior, effectively silencing dissenting voices and opposing viewpoints. This curated experience reduces exposure to diverse opinions and amplifies biased and polarising content, making it arduous for users to discern credible information from misinformation. Algorithms feed into a feedback loop that continuously gathers data from users' activities across digital platforms, including websites, social media, and apps. This data is analysed to optimise user experiences, making platforms more attractive. While this process drives innovation and improves user satisfaction from a business standpoint, it also poses a danger in the context of misinformation. The repetitive reinforcement of user preferences leads to the entrenchment of false beliefs, as users are less likely to encounter fact-checks or corrective information.
Moreover, social networks and their sheer size and complexity today exacerbate the issue. With billions of users participating in online spaces, misinformation spreads rapidly, and attempting to contain it—such as by inspecting messages or URLs for false information—can be computationally challenging and inefficient. The extensive amount of content that is shared daily means that misinformation can be propagated far quicker than it can get fact-checked or debunked.
Understanding how algorithms influence user behaviour is important to tackling misinformation. The personalisation of content, feedback loops, the complexity of network structures, and the role of superspreaders all work together to create a challenging environment where misinformation thrives. Hence, highlighting the importance of countering misinformation through robust measures.
The Role of Regulations in Curbing Algorithmic Misinformation
The EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) applicable in the EU is one of the regulations that aims to increase the responsibilities of tech companies and ensure that their algorithms do not promote harmful content. These regulatory frameworks play an important role they can be used to establish mechanisms for users to appeal against the algorithmic decisions and ensure that these systems do not disproportionately suppress legitimate voices. Independent oversight and periodic audits can ensure that algorithms are not biased or used maliciously. Self-regulation and Platform regulation are the first steps that can be taken to regulate misinformation. By fostering a more transparent and accountable ecosystem, regulations help mitigate the negative effects of algorithmic misinformation, thereby protecting the integrity of information that is shared online. In the Indian context, the Intermediary Guidelines, 2023, Rule 3(1)(b)(v) explicitly prohibits the dissemination of misinformation on digital platforms. The ‘Intermediaries’ are obliged to ensure reasonable efforts to prevent users from hosting, displaying, uploading, modifying, publishing, transmitting, storing, updating, or sharing any information related to the 11 listed user harms or prohibited content. This rule aims to ensure platforms identify and swiftly remove misinformation, and false or misleading content.
Cyberpeace Outlook
Understanding how algorithms prioritise content will enable users to critically evaluate the information they encounter and recognise potential biases. Such cognitive defenses can empower individuals to question the sources of the information and report misleading content effectively. In the future of algorithms in information moderation, platforms should evolve toward more transparent, user-driven systems where algorithms are optimised not just for engagement but for accuracy and fairness. Incorporating advanced AI moderation tools, coupled with human oversight can improve the detection and reduction of harmful and misleading content. Collaboration between regulatory bodies, tech companies, and users will help shape the algorithms landscape to promote a healthier, more informed digital environment.
References:
- https://www.advancedsciencenews.com/misformation-spreads-like-a-nuclear-reaction-on-the-internet/
- https://www.niemanlab.org/2024/09/want-to-fight-misinformation-teach-people-how-algorithms-work/
- Press Release: Press Information Bureau (pib.gov.in)
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Introduction
Since February 2020 the government has been taking keen steps to safeguard the Indian markets and the consumer, this could be seen in the forms of policies and exemptions for the market players and the consumers, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the markets places became vulnerable to loss and various forms of new crimes and frauds. The Government recently tabled the Jan Vishwas bill which is an aftermath of the Vivad se Vishwas Bill, 2020 which was tabled in February 2020 for creating a safe and dynamic market, this bill is a clear example of how AtmaNirbhar Bharat plays a crucial role in nations development.
What is Jan Vishwas Bill, 2022
The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2022 is a 108-page bill introduced in the Lok Sabha by the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal. The statement of objects and reasons of the Bill states, “To amend certain enactments for decriminalizing and rationalizing minor offenses to further enhance trust-based governance for ease of living and doing business.” The bill aims to promote ease of doing business in India by decriminalizing minor offences and amending 183 provisions in 42 Acts administered by 19 ministries. The bill proposes to replace minor offences with monetary penalties and rationalize existing monetary penalties based on the gravity of the offences. The Acts to be amended by the bill include-
- Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
- Public Debt Act, 1944
- Pharmacy Act, 1948
- Cinematograph Act, 1952
- Copyright Act, 1957
- Patents Act, 1970
- Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
- Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
- Trade Marks Act, 1999l Railways Act, 1989
- Information Technology Act, 2000
- Prevention of Money-laundering Act, 2002
- Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
- Legal Metrology Act, 2009
- Factoring Regulation Act, 2011
The bill aims to decriminalize a large number of minor offences and replace them with monetary penalties. This step by the government is a clear indication of how important the market regulations are, in recent times Google was imposed with a penalty of 1300 crores and 900 crores for violating competitive market practices, these penalties, and criminalised actions will ensure proper compliance to laws of the land thus creating a blanket of safeguards for the Indian consumer and netizen.
What will the Ease of Business be?
The Government has been critical in pinpointing various parameters and factors to improve the ease of business in the country, this bill comes at the right time when we can see numerous start-ups and entrepreneurs emerging in our country. The parameters are as follows-
- Starting a Business of all
- Dealing with Construction Permits
- Getting Electricity
- Registering Property
- Getting Credit
- Protecting
- Minority Investors
- Paying Taxes
- Trading across Borders
- Enforcing Contracts and Resolving Insolvency
These parameters have been created with a sight on the future of the markets and how external factors like the Russia-Ukraine war can influence the markets. According to Minister Piyush Goyal, the fear of imprisonment for minor offences is a major factor hindering the growth of the business ecosystem and individual confidence in India. The Jan Vishwas Bill, 2022 aims to address this issue by replacing minor offences with monetary penalties. The bill also proposes an increase of 10% in the minimum amount of fine and penalty levied after every three years, once the bill becomes a law.
Conclusion
The bill will create a level playing field for the market players and the consumers with the backing of strong legislation and precedents thus maintaining transparency and accountability in the system. The amended provisions will allow various already existing legislation to come in tune with the current times and emerging technologies. The nation is at a critical juncture to fabricate policies and laws to address the issues and threats of the future and hence such a bill will be the strengthening pillar of the Indian markets and cyber-ecosystem. The Jan Vishwas Bill, 2022 has been referred to a 31-member joint parliamentary committee for scrutiny. The committee includes members from the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha and will submit its report to parliament by the second part of the Budget session in 2023, The members from the Lok Sabha include PP Chaudhary, Sanjay Jaiswal, Queen Ojha, Rajendra Agrawal, Gaurav Gogoi, A Raja, Rajendra Agarwal, Poonam Pramod Mahajan, and Sougata Ray.
Introduction
In the digital entertainment world, OTT platforms have become highly popular and have attracted larger audiences. They offer a wide variety of entertaining content. However, there are certain concerns about depicting illicit or objectionable content on such platforms. The Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has been working on tackling issues like the availability of obscene content on online streaming platforms and other platforms. I&B Ministry has taken important steps to prevent the spread of such illicit or objectionable content.
The I&B Ministry has taken action against obscene and vulgar content on OTT platforms. A total 18 OTT platforms and several associated websites, apps, and social media handles have been blocked nationwide. The government has been in consistent talks with these platforms and issued several advisories, but they have not been adhered to. The decision was made after consultation with other ministries, domain experts, and industry bodies. The content allegedly obscene was found to depict nudity, sexual intercourse, and inappropriate sexual acts within societal contexts. The government states that it is the responsibility of platforms to ensure that content is not present in a vulgar fashion. Creativities do not necessarily mean promoting or propagating vulgar and sexual content.
Key Highlights of I&B Ministry Action against Obscene Content
On 14th March 2024, The Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) announced the blocking of 18 OTT platforms, 19 Websites, 10 apps, and 57 social media handles for displaying obscene and vulgar content. Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting Shri Anurag Singh Thakur has announced the removal of 18 OTT platforms that published obscene and vulgar content, underscoring the responsibility of platforms to prevent the spread of such content. The decision was made under the Information Technology Act 2000 and in consultation with other Indian ministries and domain experts in media, entertainment, women's rights, and child rights.
List of Blocked OTT Platforms
OTT platforms that have been blocked are Dreams Films, Voovi, Yessma, Uncut Adda, Tri Flicks, X Prime, Neon X VIP, Besharams, Hunters, Rabbit, Xtramood, Nuefliks, MoodX, Mojflix, Hot Shots VIP, Fugi, Chikooflix, Prime Play.
It was highlighted that these OTT platforms, despite not being widely popular, have a significant viewership. One app has over 1 crore downloads, while two others have more than 50 lakh downloads on Google Play Store. These platforms also market their content through social media, with a combined followership of over 32 lakh.
Nature of content
The ministry reported that a significant portion of the content on social media platforms was obscene, vulgar, and demeaning, depicting nudity and sexual acts in inappropriate contexts like teacher-student relationships and incestuous family relationships. The content included sexual innuendos and prolonged pornographic scenes without any thematic or societal relevance. It was further stated that the content was found to be prima facie in violation of Section 67 and 67A of the Information & Technology Act, 2000, Section 292 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
Way Forward
The press release by the ministry stated that “The Government of India remains committed to fostering the growth and development of the OTT industry. Several measures have been undertaken in this regard, including the introduction of the Inaugural OTT Award for Web Series at the 54th International Film Festival of India, collaboration with OTT platforms in the media and entertainment sector, and the establishment of a light touch regulatory framework with an emphasis on self-regulation under the IT Rules, 2021.”
This shows that the Indian government is dedicated to promoting the growth of the OTT industry but within certain checks or oversight mechanisms to prevent illicit or objectionable content on such platforms.
OTT Content and Regulatory Checks
Online content streaming on OTT platforms lacks regulatory checks, unlike films, which are reviewed and certified by a government-appointed board. The government has instructed streaming services to independently review content for obscenity and violence before it is made available online. There have been repeated instances where criticism has been raised about the illicit or violative depicted content in some OTT shows. This highlights the issue of checks and balances. The government has urged self-regulation on platforms, but the repeated instances of illicit content raise societal concerns. The Ministry of I&B is keen towards promoting ethical & moral standards of content that is being hosted on online OTT platforms.
Conclusion
The Ministry of I&B has taken a step and announced the shutdown of 18 OTT platforms that were engaged in depicting illicit content. This shows that the I&B Ministry is committed to promoting ethical online content. While legislative measures are required to prevent the spread of such illicit or violative content, joint efforts by the government, industry players, and civil society are critical to ensuring a secure and responsible digital environment for all users.
References
- https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2014477
- https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/centre-bans-ott-platforms-websites-and-apps-over-obscene-and-vulgar-content/article67949819.ece
- https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/ib-ministry-blocks-18-ott-platforms-for-vulgar-content/articleshow/108485880.cms?from=mdr
- https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/information-and-broadcasting-ministry-blocks-18-ott-platforms-for-obscene-and-vulgar-content-9213749/
- https://www.storyboard18.com/ott-news/mib-blocks-18-ott-platforms-for-showing-obscene-and-vulgar-content-26400.htm
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Introduction
Against the dynamic backdrop of Mumbai, where the intersection of age-old markets and cutting-edge innovation is a daily reality, an initiative of paramount importance has begun to take shape within the hallowed walls of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This is not just a tweak, a nudge in policy, or a subtle refinement of protocols. What we're observing is nothing short of a paradigmatic shift, a recalibration of systemic magnitude, that aims to recalibrate the way India's financial monoliths oversee, manage, and secure their informational bedrock – their treasured IT systems.
On the 7th of November, 2023, the Reserve Bank of India, that bastion of monetary oversight and national fiscal stability, unfurled a new doctrine – the 'Master Direction on Information Technology Governance, Risk, Controls, and Assurance Practices.' A document comprehensive in its reach, it presents not merely an update but a consolidation of all previously issued guidelines, instructions, and circulars relevant to IT governance, plaited into a seamless narrative that extols virtues of structured control and unimpeachable assurance practices. Moreover, it grasps the future potential of Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Management, testaments to RBI's forward-thinking vision.
This novel edict has been crafted with a target audience that spans the varied gamut of financial entities – from Scheduled Commercial Banks to Non-Banking Financial Companies, from Credit Information Companies to All India Financial Institutions. These are the juggernauts that keep the economic wheels of the nation churning, and RBI's precision-guided document is an unambiguous acknowledgment of the vital role IT holds in maintaining the heartbeat of these financial bodies. Here lies a riveting declaration that robust governance structures aren't merely preferred but essential to manage the landscape of IT-related risks that balloon in an era of ever-proliferating digital complexity.
Directive Structure
The directive's structure is a combination of informed precision and intuitive foresight. Its seven chapters are not simply a grouping of topics; they are the seven pillars upon which the temple of IT governance is to be erected. The introductory chapter does more than set the stage – it defines the very reality, the scope, and the applicability of the directive, binding the reader in an inextricable covenant of engagement and anticipation. It's followed by a deep dive into the cradle of IT governance in the second chapter, drawing back the curtain to reveal the nuanced roles and defiant responsibilities bestowed upon the Board of Directors, the IT Strategy Committee, the clairvoyant Senior Management, the IT Steering Committee, and the pivotal Head of IT Function.
As we move along to the third chapter, we encounter the nuts and bolts of IT Infrastructure & Services Management. This is not just a checklist; it is an orchestration of the management of IT services, third-party liaisons, the calculus of capacity management, and the nuances of project management. Here terms like change and patch management, cryptographic controls, and physical and environmental safeguards leap from the page – alive with earnest practicality, demanding not just attention but action.
Transparency deepens as we glide into the fourth chapter with its robust exploration of IT and Information Security Risk Management. Here, the demand for periodic dissection of IT-related perils is made clear, along with the edifice of an IT and Information Security Risk Management Framework, buttressed by the imperatives of Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing.
The fifth chapter presents a tableau of circumspection and preparedness, as it waxes eloquent on the necessity and architecture of a well-honed Business Continuity Plan and a disaster-ready DR Policy. It is a paean to the anticipatory stance financial institutions must employ in a world fraught with uncertainty.
Continuing the narrative, the sixth chapter places the spotlight on Information Systems Audit, delineating the precise role played by the Audit Committee of the Board in ushering in accountability through an exhaustive IS Audit of the institution's virtual expanse.
And as we perch on the final chapter, we're privy to the 'repeal and other provisions' of the directive, underscoring the interplay of other applicable laws and the interpretation a reader may yield from the directive's breadth.
Conclusion
To proclaim that this directive is a mere step forward in the RBI's exhaustive and assiduous efforts to propel India's financial institutions onto the digital frontier would be a grave understatement. What we are witnessing is the inception of a more adept, more secure, and more resilient financial sector. This directive is nothing less than a beacon, shepherding in an epoch of IT governance marked by impervious governance structures, proactive risk management, and an unyielding commitment to the pursuit of excellence and continuous improvement. This is no ephemeral shift - this is, indisputably, a revolutionary stride into a future where confidence and competence stand as the watchwords in navigating the digital terra incognita.
