Context:
A Pew Research Center survey highlights a complex and concerning dynamic in India regarding fake news, press freedom, and state control. While widespread anxiety about misinformation exists, many Indians do not associate it with government censorship and, paradoxically, show considerable support for greater state regulation of the media.
Key Findings
High Concern About Fake News
- 65% of Indian respondents believe that made-up news and information is a “very big problem”.
- India ranks among the top 10 countries most concerned about fake news out of 35 surveyed.
- Comparable high levels of concern were recorded in Bangladesh, South Korea, Chile, Colombia, and Thailand.
Support for State Influence over Media
- Only 68% of respondents said that it is very or somewhat important for the media to report without state censorship.
- This is the second-lowest level of support among the 35 countries surveyed.
- Countries like Greece, Sweden, and the U.K. recorded over 90% support for independent media.
Perception of Media Freedom
- 80% of Indian respondents believe that the media is either completely or somewhat free from state intervention.
- This places India among the top 10 countries where faith in existing media freedom is strongest.
- Similar levels of confidence were noted in Sweden, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Ghana, Australia, Kenya, and Thailand.
Press Freedom Paradox
- In 33 out of 35 countries, more people valued media freedom than believed it existed (“press freedom gap”).
- However, India and Kenya displayed the reverse gap:
- More people believed media is free (80%+) than those who felt media freedom is important (<70%).
Implications
- This paradox reflects a worrying normalization of censorship and erosion of critical public support for press independence.
- It underscores the broader decline of press freedom in India, evidenced by India’s 159th rank out of 180 countries in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders.
- India has consistently ranked below 100 since 2003, with a steep fall in recent years.
Global Context (Chart Insights)
- Fake News Concern:
- Highest in Bangladesh, South Korea, Chile, Colombia, Thailand.
- Lowest in Singapore, Poland, Sweden, Netherlands, Israel.
- Importance of Press Freedom:
- Over 90% in countries like Greece, Sweden, U.K. and others.
- Under 70% only in India and Kenya.
- Perception of Media Freedom:
- 80% or higher in India, Sweden, Netherlands, Philippines, Ghana, Australia, Kenya, Thailand.
- Less than 40% in Chile and Greece.
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