Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Speaking at the high-powered panel “Fact vs Fiction: Countering Disinformation” during Day-1 of the Bharat Summit 2025, senior Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh raised a stark warning about the growing threat of disinformation fueled by artificial intelligence and corporate control over digital narratives.

“I’ve personally been a victim of deepfakes and misinformation. Words I never said were attributed to me. Today, hate can be amplified at the click of a button,” Singh said. Highlighting how ten global companies now wield immense influence over public opinion, Singh stated, “The challenge before us is how to protect citizens' rights from the growing misuse of AI and digital manipulation.”

The panel, moderated by Digvijaya Singh, brought together global voices to address the increasing spread of false narratives, deepfake videos, and fake messages—particularly on platforms like WhatsApp and social media—that pose serious threats to democracies worldwide.

Thanisara Ruangdej, CEO and co-founder of Punch Up and WeVis from Thailand, emphasized the role of geo-political actors in deliberately weaponizing fake content. “Fact-checking and data-driven responses are our best tools to fight back,” she said, underscoring the need for technological safeguards and greater civic awareness.

Miapetra Kumpula-Natri, a Social Democratic Party leader from Finland, pointed to her country’s education model as a frontline defense. “We focus on building societal resilience through multi-literacy and civic education. Free education up to the age of 18 helps us empower young minds to recognize and resist misinformation,” she said.

Matthew William Faulding, UK Labour Party leader, drew attention to the rapid speed at which misinformation spreads, particularly AI-generated content. “Lies travel faster. Fake news not only distorts facts—it can ruin real lives,” he warned. From Malaysia, Ramkarpal Singh and Luis Blandon from Nicaragua contributed international perspectives, highlighting shared global concerns over disinformation undermining democracy and free expression.