72 Indian media outlets spread 137 fake reports about Bangladesh in 2024: Rumor Scanner

Highlights

• 72 Indian Media Outlets spread 137 false reports on 32 topics about Bangladesh in 2024
• A total of 148 cases were identified, averaging one misinformation report every two and a half days
• Republic Bangla ranked first with misinformation in 10 incidents
• Misinformation viewed 250 million times on social media platforms
• 115 of the 148 cases were related to communal issues

Seventy-two Indian media outlets spread at least 137 false reports on 32 topics about Bangladesh last year, an analysis by the independent fact-checking organisation Rumor Scanner has found.

According to the analysis published on its website today (18 January), at least 148 misinformation about Bangladesh were propagated through Indian media outlets and social platforms last year—averaging one false report every 2.5 days.

The analysis shows that misinformation about Bangladesh spread via Indian-operated accounts on social media platforms, including X, was viewed at least 250 million times last year.

Rumor Scanner said, "During the political transition in August [last year], the rate of misinformation from Indian sources about Bangladesh saw a worrying increase."

Screenshot of a list of Indian outlets and fake reports published by them. The list was compiled by Rumor Scanner.

"Among the 148 pieces of misinformation identified by Rumor Scanner last year, 115 were related to communal issues. Last year, X became a major platform for the spread of communal misinformation, with 51 instances of communal misinformation detected on the platform in August alone," it said.

"Outlets such as Asian News International [ANI], NDTV, Hindustan Times, The Indian Express, Zee News, Aaj Tak, and Republic Bangla were among the mainstream media involved in spreading falsehoods," it added.

Rumor Scanner found that India's Bengali-language satellite television channel "Republic Bangla" ranked first for spreading the highest number of falsehoods, with misinformation identified in 10 out of 32 incidents.

Following Republic Bangla, the next three positions were occupied by Hindustan Times, Zee 24 Ghanta, and Aaj Tak. In fifth place were The Indian Express, Mint, India Today, TV9, WION, and Ei Samay.