Combating Disinformation: The Ethical Challenges in Kashmir Media

The rise of fake journalism presents a growing threat to society’s moral fabric, with the proliferation of untrained individuals masquerading as journalists thanks to the accessibility of modern technology.

Media has traditionally served as democracy’s fourth pillar, connecting governments with citizens and holding power to account. A responsible press shapes society positively, creating informed citizens and addressing issues that affect ordinary people. However, recent years have witnessed a troubling trend that threatens to undermine this vital institution.

The digital revolution, particularly the widespread availability of smartphones and social media platforms, has dramatically changed how information is disseminated. While this democratization of media has positive aspects, it has also created an environment where virtually anyone can claim journalistic credentials without proper training or ethical grounding.

“Today’s so-called ‘Facebook journalism’ or ‘mobile journalism’ requires nothing more than a smartphone, an inexpensive microphone, and a social media page,” notes Mohd Rafique Rather, a former trade union leader and current District President in Jammu and Kashmir’s People’s Democratic Party. “This has led to a proliferation of self-proclaimed reporters who operate without accountability or professional standards.”

These amateur “journalists” frequently intrude upon public offices, markets, and private residences with recording devices, creating an atmosphere of intimidation. Many engage in questionable practices such as blackmail, extortion, and character assassination under the pretense of exposing corruption or delivering justice. Their motivations often stem from personal gain, political favoritism, or simply the pursuit of social media popularity rather than a commitment to truth or public service.

Particularly concerning is the growing invasion of privacy. Personal matters such as domestic disputes and family conflicts are increasingly being recorded and distributed online for clicks and engagement. This voyeuristic approach to “news gathering” violates basic human dignity and represents a profound misunderstanding of journalistic purpose.

Nevertheless, citizen journalism has made positive contributions when practiced responsibly. It has successfully highlighted important issues, exposed wrongdoing, and drawn attention to neglected communities where mainstream media coverage is lacking. These efforts have sometimes catalyzed meaningful change and infrastructure development by amplifying ordinary citizens’ concerns.

The challenge lies in the unregulated nature of this emerging media landscape. Without proper training in journalistic ethics and professional standards, many self-styled reporters distort facts, violate privacy, and generate confusion rather than clarity. The resulting environment fosters division and mistrust instead of the awareness and accountability that genuine journalism aims to promote.

In response to these concerns, the Lieutenant Governor’s administration in Jammu and Kashmir has initiated a crackdown on fake journalists. Rather characterizes this not as an attack on free expression but as a necessary step to protect legitimate journalism’s credibility. However, government action alone cannot solve the problem.

“Press councils, journalist associations, and established media organizations must develop transparent accreditation systems that recognize properly trained and ethical journalists,” Rather argues. “Journalism schools need to emphasize media ethics, legal awareness, and digital responsibility alongside technical skills.”

The public also bears responsibility for addressing this crisis. Media consumers must develop the critical thinking skills to distinguish between credible news sources and unverified content. By questioning not just government actions but also those who claim to report on them, citizens can help restore integrity to public discourse.

The proliferation of fake journalism represents more than just a media problem—it constitutes a social crisis that undermines public trust in essential institutions. The ongoing efforts to address this issue should prompt all stakeholders to reclaim journalism’s noble purpose as a profession dedicated to truth, compassion, and integrity.

“True journalism seeks to inform, not inflame; to question, not humiliate; to illuminate, not exploit,” Rather emphasizes. Restoring these principles is essential for preserving democracy and strengthening society’s moral foundation in an age of information overload.