Fake news targets Muslims, shows Modi in positive light: BOOM fact-check data

The Muslim community is the primary target of fake news, misinformation and disinformation in India, stated an analysis of fact-checks by BOOM, citing data from the last three years.

Fake news related to Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the second most in number but many of these showed him in a positive light, said the report, citing data for 2023.

BOOM reportedly published 1,190 fact-checks between January 2, 2023 and December 31, 2023. Out of these, 15.4 percent or 183 fact-checks were claims targeting Muslims, while 63 were related to Modi.

Among the false claims targeting Muslims, at least 84.2 percent were shared with the intent of spreading “demographic anxiety”. 

The fact-checking portal said the trend “mirrors the growing prevalence of Islamophobic rhetoric in Indian politics, along with increased hostility against Muslims in the country”.

At least 70 fact-checks were related to false information targeting political parties. Out of these, at least 33 were related to the BJP, followed by Congress with 21 and Aam Aadmi Party with eight.

The report said at least 100 fact-checks were related to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Newslaundry earlier reported how even media outlets fell for the claims that ‘Hamas beheaded babies’.  Read here.