In the aftermath of recent elections in India, the country finds itself embroiled in a concerning wave of extremism and anarchy on social media platforms.
The Modi government's pursuit of Hindutva ideology appears to have intensified, fueling anti-Muslim narratives and exacerbating societal divisions.
Reports indicate that the Modi administration has actively utilized social media giants like META (Facebook and Instagram) to propagate anti-Muslim sentiments in a bid to garner support from Hindu voters.
This has led to a proliferation of discriminatory content targeting the Muslim community across various online platforms.
Also read: Congressional report exposes rising human rights violations in India
Alarming instances of approved anti-Muslim content on Facebook, equating Muslims to vermin and terrorists, have further raised tensions.
Critics allege that the BJP-led government has resorted to spreading misinformation and inciting religious violence through social media channels to consolidate power.
The BJP's ambition to secure a third term in office and advance Hindu nationalist agendas has seen a rise in hate speech and negative propaganda.
Concerns regarding human rights violations, minority persecution, and suppression of dissenting voices have intensified amidst these developments.
Recent revelations regarding the Modi govt's collaboration with META to promote specific narratives on social media platforms have sparked widespread condemnation.
Allegations of selective content moderation and compromise in the face of financial incentives raise questions about the integrity of online discourse.
Despite assurances from META regarding content moderation policies, concerns linger about political interference in India's digital landscape.
The apparent willingness of the Modi administration to resort to divisive tactics underscores the urgent need for robust safeguards to uphold democratic principles in the digital sphere.