55% Of Indian Internet Users Scared Of Expressing Political Views Online

Over the last few years, the political atmosphere in India has remained tense. In the past, there have been Indian citizens arrested for posting comments criticizing the ruling government.

News of arrests for disrespecting PM Narendra Modi has shown up more regularly. People who have been taking into custody include teachers, students, businesspeople, activists, auto-rickshaw drivers, and members of paramilitary and police forces.

This strained environment has led to people becoming furious over not allowed to express their opinions, especially regarding political matters.

Reuters reported that among English-speaking Indians who participate in the survey, 55% percent said they are afraid of posting political views online. The reason for this is that they are scared of getting into trouble with the government.

41% of participants supporting the BJP claimed that they believe in “most news most of the time.”

36% of UPA supporters, as well as 26% of non-partisans, feel the same. The data was taken among online news users who speak English in India.

Fake news, online political manipulation, and misinformation are issues that not only India but also the U.S. worries about. About 57% of Indians speaking English is concerned with figuring out what is fake and what is real on the internet. 64% thought that the government should deal with the misinformation problem.

70% believed that platforms and publishers should hold responsibilities for this. And about 45% concerned with “poor journalism,” and “when facts are spun or twisted to push a particular agenda.”

Indian Express reported that a minimum of seven teachers from state government school had been dismissed by Uttar Pradesh government because they questioned the Pulwama terror attack and criticized the inefficiency of India’s Balakot airstrike.

Recently, more and more young citizens are jailed for posting online content offending politicians.

Mint’s report stated that no less than 50 people got arrested for their social media activities.