The internet and social media have become primary vectors for non-state actors to conduct subversive activities, threatening national security and social cohesion across democratic societies.

Misuse of Social Media by Non State

Recent Misuse of Internet and Social Media

Disinformation and Propaganda Campaigns

• COVID-19 misinformation: Spread of false cures and vaccine hesitancy content during 2020-2023, affecting public health responses
• Electoral manipulation: Use of deepfakes and AI-generated content during 2024 Lok Sabha elections to spread false narratives about candidates
• Communal discord: WhatsApp forwards and Facebook posts inciting violence during festivals and religious events in 2023-2024
• Anti-government propaganda: Coordinated campaigns by extremist groups using encrypted messaging apps like Signal and Telegram
• Foreign interference: Chinese and Pakistani disinformation networks targeting Indian social media users through fake accounts

Recruitment and Radicalization

• ISIS recruitment: Use of encrypted platforms for recruiting youth from Kerala, Karnataka, and other states during 2022-2024
• Naxal propaganda: Online recruitment drives in tribal areas of Chhattisgarh and Odisha through social media platforms
• Cyber terrorism: Dark web networks facilitating training materials and coordination for terrorist activities
• Lone wolf attacks: Social media-inspired violence, including attacks on religious minorities and police personnel
• Cross-border terrorism: Pakistani handlers using social media to coordinate attacks and recruit operatives in J&K

Effective Guidelines to Curb These Threats

Legal and Regulatory Framework

• IT Rules 2021 enhancement: Mandatory fact-checking units and content takedown within 24 hours for social media intermediaries
• Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023: Implementation to prevent misuse of personal data for targeted disinformation
• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita provisions: Strengthening cyber crime laws with specific provisions for online terrorism and sedition
• Platform accountability: Legal liability for social media companies failing to remove harmful content within stipulated timeframes
• Content traceability: Mandatory identification of message originators on encrypted platforms during investigations

Technological Solutions

• AI-powered monitoring: Real-time detection of hate speech, terrorist content, and disinformation using machine learning algorithms
• Blockchain verification: Implementation of content authenticity verification systems to combat deepfakes and manipulated media
• Digital forensics infrastructure: Enhanced capabilities at state and national levels for cyber crime investigation
• Cyber threat intelligence: Integration of domestic and international intelligence networks for proactive threat detection
• Automated content flagging: Deployment of advanced algorithms to identify and flag suspicious content before viral spread

Multi-stakeholder Approach

• Public-private partnerships: Collaboration between government agencies and tech companies for threat intelligence sharing
• International cooperation: Bilateral agreements with countries like USA, Israel, and Singapore for cyber security expertise
• Civil society engagement: NGOs and fact-checking organizations integrated into national response framework
• Media literacy programs: Educational initiatives in schools and communities to enhance digital awareness
• Industry self-regulation: Social media platforms developing and enforcing community standards aligned with national security interests

Addressing online subversive activities requires balancing security imperatives with digital rights while strengthening both technological capabilities and international cooperation frameworks under Article 19 guidelines.