Model and actress Poonam Pandey recently made headlines with a controversial publicity stunt that involved faking her own death on social media in the name of cervical cancer awareness. This incident drew attention not only for its shocking nature but also for the spread of disinformation in today’s digital age. To shed light on the issue, ETV Bharat interviewed fact-checking expert Muralikrishnan Chinnadurai, who emphasizes the importance of addressing such disinformation ahead of the 2024 elections.
When asked about his approach to fact-checking Poonam Pandey’s fake death, Chinnadurai highlights the lack of evidence and medical reports to support her claims. While the news spread rapidly through various media outlets due to its release on Pandey’s official Instagram page, the absence of concrete proof posed a challenge for fact-checkers. The delay in debunking the hoax was attributed to the difficulty in reaching Pandey’s relatives for confirmation. However, through extensive efforts, fact-checkers concluded that the news of her death was false, though unable to officially dismiss it as a hoax.
Pandey claimed that she orchestrated the fake death to raise awareness about cervical cancer. However, Chinnadurai argues that this approach is fundamentally flawed. The dissemination of false information about death severely impacts individuals who are battling cancer and those who have recovered from it. Instead of resorting to orchestrated disinformation campaigns, Chinnadurai advocates for choosing an honest path to raise awareness, which sets a better precedent.
Explaining the difference between disinformation and a disinformation campaign, Chinnadurai defines disinformation as knowingly spreading false information as an individual. In the case of Poonam Pandey, it evolved into a disinformation campaign when her official Instagram page created and spread fake news about her death. This campaign involved planned infrastructure and the use of hashtags to generate a widespread impact. Chinnadurai stresses that such actions should be considered serious crimes, and those involved should face legal consequences.
On the question of whether criminal action is excessive when the motive is right, Chinnadurai asserts that allowing disinformation campaigns to go unaddressed is not an option. He refers to the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Global Risk Report, which highlights the disruptive potential of fake news and disinformation in society. With several countries, including India and the United States, gearing up for general elections in 2024, the risk of planned disinformation campaigns becomes more significant. Taking action against Poonam Pandey’s incident would help set a precedent and preserve the integrity of democracy.
As elections approach, it is crucial for news organizations and consumers to be vigilant in spotting fake news. Chinnadurai advises media houses to vet news thoroughly and verify sources before publishing. Netizens should exercise caution, checking the credibility of information before sharing. Emotional responses should be avoided without verifying the facts. Following these guidelines can help protect society from misinformation and disinformation campaigns.
In conclusion, the case of Poonam Pandey’s fake death highlights the need to combat disinformation in the digital age, particularly as elections draw near. Fact-checking experts like Muralikrishnan Chinnadurai emphasize the importance of addressing such disinformation and taking appropriate actions to preserve the integrity of information and democracy itself. By prioritizing fact-checking, media literacy, and responsible sharing, society can mitigate the damaging effects of disinformation and strive for a more informed and transparent future.
