Beware the Digital Propaganda Wars: How Extremist Groups are Exploiting Technology to Divide India
From Hard Drives to YouTube Exposing India's Dark History of Digital Hate and Murder
India’s Dark History of Digital Hate Hard Drives, YouTube, and Murder
The internet can be a powerful tool for bringing people together. But in the case of India, it has become a battleground for extremist groups seeking to sow seeds of hatred and division. From hard disks to WhatsApp forwards, the methods may have changed, but the message remains the same: love jihad, communal disharmony, and the vilification of the “other.” In this article, we delve into the disturbing world of Sanatan Sanstha, an extremist organization using digital technology to fuel violence and radicalize impressionable minds.
From Hard Disks to the Vast Reach of YouTube
Once upon a time, a man named Vikas Patil traveled from village to village in India, armed with a laptop and a hard drive loaded with propaganda. As he played videos promoting hate and division, unsuspecting viewers like Sharad Kalasar found themselves drawn into the web of extremism. Little did they know that this encounter would have dire consequences.
Back in 2012, when India’s internet penetration was a mere 12 percent, groups like Sanatan Sanstha were already spreading their poisonous narratives. Fast forward to today, where more than half the country’s population is online, and extremist right-wing groups have found a powerful ally in platforms like YouTube and WhatsApp. With 467 million active YouTube users and a staggering 759 million people connected to the internet, the potential to amplify hate speech and misinformation has never been greater.
The Chilling Consequences of Digital Propaganda
The consequences of this digital propaganda are grim. As Sharad Kalaskar immersed himself in the extremist ideology espoused by Sanatan Sanstha, he grew more radicalized. Eventually, he allegedly murdered one of India’s leading secularists, Narendra Dabholkar. This was just the beginning of a wave of killings targeting progressive thinkers and activists, with Sanatan Sanstha suspected of involvement in each case.
WhatsApp: The Silent Spreader of Misinformation
WhatsApp, the ubiquitous messaging app, has emerged as a breeding ground for fake news and disinformation. Combining its widespread adoption in India with the power of video content, extremist groups have seized this platform to disseminate their toxic narratives. Far-right organizations have created an extensive network of WhatsApp groups, relying on human distribution mechanisms to spread their desired narratives.
With the ability to bypass traditional media channels, these WhatsApp forwards have convinced millions of Indians, who trust the messages forwarded by their friends and family. As a result, the repercussions have been devastating, from deadly mobs targeting innocent individuals to the imposition of economic boycotts.
YouTube: A Haven for Hate Speech
But let’s not forget the role of YouTube in this digital propaganda war. Political groups, including supporters of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, have utilized YouTube to build massive followings and amplify their anti-Muslim content. These channels, some with over a million subscribers, have become breeding grounds for Islamophobia and xenophobic rhetoric.
The compelling power of video cannot be underestimated. When these same videos make their way onto WhatsApp groups, their impact is magnified even further. It’s a dangerous combination that fuels the spread of hate speech and the distortion of truth.
The troubling role of Mainstream Media
What makes matters worse is how the mainstream media has fallen prey to these narratives. Social media dictates what is “news,” and the line between fact and fiction has become dangerously blurred. Media outlets, eager to chase clickbait and fuel sensationalism, often end up mirroring the narratives seen on social media platforms. As a result, hate speech and divisive rhetoric have seeped into the very fabric of Indian society.
The Ominous Future
With the 2024 elections approaching, there is no sign that the government will rein in the divisive rhetoric that has become its trademark. In fact, groups like Sanatan Sanstha, now operating under the umbrella of the Sakal Hindu Samaj, are gaining traction and organizing rallies that call for the extermination of Muslims and fuel economic boycotts. The landscape is becoming increasingly polarized, and the specter of sectarian violence looms large.
To make matters worse, the laws against hate speech have been selectively applied, enabling extremist groups to run rampant. The BJP, with its Hindu nationalist platform, has benefited from this polarization. As the cycle continues, fake news, misleading pictures, and hate videos continue to shape public opinion and ruin lives.
Calling for Digital Responsibility
It is high time for all stakeholders to take action. Internet platforms need to adopt stricter measures to combat hate speech and disinformation. Government regulation should strike a balance between the protection of free speech and the prevention of online radicalization and violence.
But the responsibility does not solely lie with tech companies and policymakers. Individual users must exercise caution and critical thinking when consuming and sharing information. We must question the source, verify the facts, and refuse to participate in the propagation of hatred. By doing so, we can help contribute to a safer, more unified India.
What are your thoughts on the role of technology in fueling extremism? How can we combat the spread of hate speech and disinformation? Share your ideas in the comments below!
