Free media must thrive for the benefit of all

We welcome the statement of the UN special rapporteur for freedom of opinion and expression, which confirmed many of our concerns about how responses by states and companies to disinformation in many countries in Asia have been "problematic", "inadequate" and "detrimental to human rights". Irene Khan made the comments while placing her report at the ongoing 47th session of the UNHRC in Geneva. She presented an accurate picture of how false or manipulated information—interacting with political, social and economic grievances of a populace—is being used to polarise society and fuel public distrust. Of equal concern are the existing responses to combat such information, which, far from succeeding to do it, have rather contributed to undermining freedom of expression, endangering human rights, democratic institutions, etc. 

We have seen both ends of the disinformation spectrum play out in a cyclic manner in Bangladesh, with free media being its biggest casualty. We have seen how, instead of allowing free media to thrive, which could effectively help fight disinformation, the authorities have used vague and overly broad "false news" laws to clamp down on dissent and criticism of the government. The dreaded Digital Security Act remains the headline instrument used to serve this purpose. Various coercive measures and tactics have also been used to obstruct free flow of information. According to Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), there have been some 111 instances of journalist harassment between January and May this year. Many people have been jailed, tortured, and intimidated in various other ways, simply for being critical of the powers that be. This is but symptomatic of the general lack of safeguards for freedom of expression and opinion in the country. The cumulative effect of this environment is fear and uncertainty, as people don't know whether expressing even legitimate grievances will have consequences.  

 While disinformation is certainly not a new phenomenon, digital technology has clearly added a very important dimension to it, as it has enabled pathways for disinformation to be created, disseminated and amplified on a scale never seen before. This is a real threat, and the government has a responsibility to combat it. But as experts have repeatedly said, the path to it is not overly restrictive regulation of internet platforms or repressive laws and measures. Such tactics haven't worked in the past, and will not either in the future. 

 Instead, as Irene Khan stressed, "diverse and reliable information, digital literacy, smart social media regulation and free, independent and diverse media are the obvious antidote to disinformation." Everyone has a responsibility in this regard. We must all support investigative journalism, reduce financial incentives for fake news, and improve digital literacy among the general public. It is also important for news organisations to call out fake news and disinformation without legitimising them. But most importantly, the government must allow free media to thrive. Without a free and independent media, no measure or policy against disinformation will work.