Vantage | Israel-Hamas war and the dangerous digital battlefield of fake news

In today’s world, where information spreads like wildfire the power of images and videos in shaping narratives cannot be underestimated. The recent events in Israel have once again highlighted the pervasive issue of fake news circulating on social media platforms. The virality of these deceptive stories and images can often be more damaging than the conflict itself.

Let’s take a closer look at four recent examples of viral content each with a substantial impact on the digital landscape. The supposed Hamas attack The first viral piece showed what appeared to be a Hamas attack on Israel. Shared widely on social media, it was initially called “an air assault on Israel”. However, it turned out to be footage from a video game showcasing how easily false information can be portrayed as reality. Paragliders crossing a boundary The second video originating from TikTok displayed paragliders crossing a boundary. Social media users quickly labelled it as visuals of the Hamas attack. The truth? These visuals were from Egypt and had been shot a year prior. Nevertheless, the video gained over 900,000 shares in just a few days. Misidentified rocket attack The third video depicted a rocket attack with claims that it was Hamas rockets being fired at Tel Aviv. However, this video turned out to be an old clip from Syria, not Gaza, and from a few years ago. Misinformation can fuel panic and outrage even when the content is outdated and unrelated to the current situation. Ronaldo and the Palestinian flag A widely shared image claimed to show football superstar Ronaldo holding a Palestinian flag expressing solidarity. However, it was not Ronaldo in the picture. It was Moroccan footballer Jawad El Yamiq and the photo was taken during the 2022 World Cup. This example highlights how easily misinformation can spread even with famous personalities involved. These instances make it clear that fake news is more rampant than ever spreading faster than bomb sirens in Israel and causing more damage than the missiles landing on Gaza. It’s a war fought not only on the ground but also on the digital battleground, flush with misinformation. This is not a new phenomenon. We’ve witnessed it during past conflicts like the Gaza war in 2021 and the Ukraine crisis in 2022. Today, it’s unfolding in Israel, but on an even larger scale. Fake stories and photos circulate on various social media platforms including Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and Twitter with the latter platform facing its unique challenges. Twitter, once a reliable source of news, has undergone significant changes with Elon Musk renaming it “X” and implementing questionable practices. Buying verification and firing fact-checking teams have made the platform a hotbed for fake news. In an age where trust and reliable information are vital this shift is troubling. The European Union has expressed its concerns to Musk requesting a response to the fake news spreading on X within 24 hours. Failure to comply may result in substantial fines, equivalent to 6 per cent of X’s annual revenue. This situation underscores the need for social media platforms to actively combat misinformation as their reach and influence are significant. However, the responsibility doesn’t end with these platforms. It extends to every user. We must think critically before believing and verify information before hitting the share or forward button. During a crisis or conflict, the consequences of spreading false information can be dire. As technology evolves, so does the war for truth. It’s up to each and every one of us to pursue that truth and ensure that our actions contribute to a more informed and responsible digital landscape. In a world where fake news can spread as rapidly as facts, our vigilance is essential in maintaining the integrity of information and the narratives we create. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.