Name
Anticipating Surge in Islamophobia during Indian Elections: Preparedness for Abuses in Local Context
Date & Time
Wednesday, October 11, 2023, 3:55 PM - 4:25 PM
Wasbir Hazarika
Description

India ranks second among the countries with the most internet users and is the biggest democracy in the world, Policy enforcement and moderation in Hindi and other regional languages has become a priority for most of the platforms as we have observed a rise in discriminatory and exclusionary online behaviors, leading to communalism and violent actions targeting Muslims in India. To gain insights into the proliferation of anti-Muslim rhetoric online, our investigation focused on identifying narratives, keywords and dangerous coordination on social media platforms, with the intent to share misleading content, incite fear, and call for violence. Understanding the trends surrounding misinformation and hate speech becomes all the more significant as the country gears up for its important elections in 2024. Being aware of the mechanisms through which such harmful narratives spread is essential for policymakers, tech companies, and society as a whole, as it can enable targeted interventions to curb the dissemination of misinformation and prevent the incitement of violence and discrimination.    

Location Name
Connection 1
Full Address
Amara Singapore
165 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088539
Singapore
Session Type
Lightning Talk