Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

The digital age has brought unprecedented connectivity and access to information, but it has also created new avenues for extremist groups to spread propaganda and recruit followers.

• India, as the world's largest democracy and a rapidly digitizing nation, faces a unique challenge in combating digital extremism while upholding its democratic values.

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Challenges Posed by Digital Extremism:

• Rapid Dissemination of Hate Speech: Social media platforms allow extremist groups to disseminate hateful content at lightning speed, reaching a wide audience and fostering division within society.
  • Example: The Christchurch mosque attacks in 2019, where the perpetrator live-streamed his heinous acts on Facebook, demonstrating the rapid spread of extremist content online.
• Recruitment and Radicalization: Online platforms provide a fertile ground for extremist groups to recruit vulnerable individuals and groom them into radicalized followers.
  • Example: ISIS used Telegram and other messaging apps to recruit and spread propaganda.
• Deepfakes and Misinformation: The proliferation of deepfakes and other forms of misinformation can be used to manipulate public opinion and undermine trust in democratic institutions.
  • The Indian general election of 2024 saw a surge in the deployment of AI-based technologies, particularly deep fakes and disinformation campaigns.
• Honey Trapping: Extremist groups may employ honey trapping tactics through social media to compromise individuals working in sensitive positions, such as defense or government agencies.
  • In 2023, a DRDO scientist was arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive information with a Pakistani intelligence operative who had lured him into a romantic relationship.

Strategies to Combat Digital Extremism:

• Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: A collaborative approach involving government agencies, technology companies, civil society organizations, and academic institutions is essential to combat digital extremism.
• Content Moderation and Fact-Checking: Technology companies should implement robust content moderation policies and invest in fact-checking initiatives to reduce the spread of harmful content.
  • Indian Government issues advisory to social media intermediaries to identify misinformation and deep fakes and remove any such content when reported within 36 hours of reporting, is a significant step in this direction.
• Counter-Narratives and Positive Messaging: Government and civil society organizations should develop counter-narratives and promote positive messaging to challenge the extremist ideology.
• Cybersecurity and Digital Literacy: Strengthening cybersecurity measures and enhancing law enforcement capabilities can help disrupt the activities of extremist groups online.
  • Also, promoting digital literacy among the population can help individuals identify and counter extremist propaganda.

Striking a Balance Between Combating Digital Extremism and Upholding Democratic Values:

While combating digital extremism is crucial, it is equally important to safeguard democratic values such as freedom of speech and expression. Here are some key considerations:

• Proportionality: Any measures taken to restrict online content should be proportionate to the threat posed.
• Clarity and Transparency: Laws and regulations governing online content should be clear and transparent to avoid arbitrary censorship.
• Independent Oversight: An independent body should be established to monitor and review government actions related to online content moderation.
• International Cooperation: International cooperation is essential to address the global nature of digital extremism while respecting national sovereignty.

Conclusion

Combating digital extremism in India requires a multifaceted approach that balances the need to protect national security with the preservation of democratic values. By fostering collaboration, promoting digital literacy, strengthening cybersecurity measures, and developing effective counter-narratives, India can mitigate the threat posed by extremist groups operating online.