In the era of rampant misinformation, leaders call for strong cyber laws at Bharat Summit

Hyderabad: Stating that misinformation threatens democracy, global leaders gathered in Hyderabad to take part in Bharat Summit and called for digital literacy and strong cyber laws.

The two day Bharat Summit 2025 that began on Friday hosted a session titled 'Facts vs Fiction: Countering Disinformation' in Hyderabad bringing together global policymakers, digital experts, and political leaders to confront the growing crisis of misinformation and disinformation in the digital age.

Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh talked about the erosion of democratic values due to unchecked disinformation. “The timing of Bharat Summit is crucial. Today, tech companies control global narratives and encroach upon citizens' rights. I’ve been a personal victim of deepfakes and fake news. Words I never said were attributed to me. Hatred is being amplified at the click of a button,” he said.

The session was attended by Matthew William Faulding, Labour Party, UK; Ramkarpal Singh, Member of the House of Representatives, Malaysia; Dr. Malu Ravi, Member of Parliament; Luis Blandon; and senior Indian National Congress leader Digvijaya Singh.

Thailand's Punch Up and WeVis, CEO and co founder Thanisara Ruangdej, highlighted the information overload in the digital age and the deliberate weaponisation of fake content by political and geopolitical actors. She emphasised the importance of data analysis and fact-checking to combat such content. Meanwhile, Miapetra Kumpula-Natri stressed that “what is illegal offline must be illegal online,” outlining the EU’s policies on digital literacy, media regulation, and public education. She urged young citizens to critically assess where and how their information is sourced.

William Faulding of UK's Labor Party shared the UK’s experience with AI-generated videos and viral misinformation, noting the real-world impact and emotional harm it can cause. “Lies travel faster, and fake news can ruin lives,” he warned.

Member of the House of Representatives, Malaysia; Ramkarpal Singh announced Malaysia’s plans to introduce tighter licensing laws and establish a media council. “We support strong legal frameworks that do not curb free speech but make stakeholders accountable,” he said.

Congress MP, Dr. Mallu Ravi, underlined the urgent need for digital literacy in schools. “Just as cigarettes carry a health warning, unverified content should come with disclaimers. Disinformation spreads hate and divides society—we must act before it is too late,” he urged.

The session concluded with a strong consensus that legal reforms, education, technological checks, and ethical governance are essential to counter the fast-evolving digital misinformation landscape.