Conceptual Understanding of Fake News: An Overview

In contemporary times, ‘fake news’ has become the buzz word not only for journalists but also for the common people, basically among those who frequently use social media platforms. However, the pervasive use and misuse of the term ‘fake news’ present a significant challenge, as the absence of a comprehensive definition impedes our ability to effectively address associated issues. Presently, the literature lacks a definitive framework that adequately encapsulates the complexities of fake news. With respect to India, this paper is an attempt to present the conceptual problem of fake news and various types of information disorder. The manuscript will discuss the working phenomenon of fake news and the transformation of media in the twenty-first century. It will further highlight the serious issue of not having an appropriate definition of fake news, which needs to be addressed. Lastly, it will provide possible solutions to deal with the menace of fake news and emphasise the need to have an appropriate definition of fake news. Notably, the researchers employs a purely doctrinal methodology to explore these themes and offer insights into the multifaceted challenges posed by fake news.