Rise of Misinformation & De-Influencing
Social media helps communication but also spreads unchecked misinformation.
“De-influencing” promotes thoughtful consumption but often uses clickbait and half-truths to gain attention.
AI-generated content and influencer marketing have made India highly vulnerable to misinformation, especially in health and finance.
Legal & Ethical Responsibilities
Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech.
But Article 19(2) allows restrictions on this right in matters like defamation, public order, and morality — meaning misinformation and harmful content are not protected.
Consumer Protection Act and IT laws hold influencers accountable for misleading ads or claims.
Guidelines by ASCI and SEBI, though partly voluntary, aim to enforce ethical conduct and transparency.
Health & Financial Content Scrutiny
Influencer claims in health and finance are under strict watch due to potential harm.
Courts have ruled influencers must verify claims, especially in health, where only qualified professionals should give advice.
SEBI has restricted financial influencers ("finfluencers") from using real-time stock data to protect investors.
Need for Stricter Regulation & Awareness
Viral, emotional content often spreads faster than expert-backed facts.
A registration or monitoring system for health influencers is proposed to ensure accountability.
Brands, regulators, and platforms must invest in consumer education and enforce strict content rules to protect the public from misinformation.
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