In times of heightened political tension and conflict, such as the current situation following Operation Sindoor, it’s crucial for citizens to act responsibly and stay informed. Here’s how we can contribute:
1. Be a responsible consumer of news.
Misinformation is rampant during conflicts. To avoid falling prey to fake news:
Verify information: Cross-check news from multiple reputable sources before believing or sharing it.
Avoid sensationalism: Be cautious of news channels or social media posts that seem overly dramatic or lack credible sources.
Use fact-checking platforms: Refer to trusted fact-checking websites such as Alt News, PIB Fact Check, The Quint’s WebQoof, etc. These platforms help debunk false information and provide accurate news.
Here’s an example of the kind of misinformation that’s being circulated online:
entire tiktok is spreading misinformation on the platform as if india started the war and is k!lling innocents and all pakistan is doing is just to defend itself. they are even making videos in english to spread it all over world
we seriously need to do something about it pic.twitter.com/66xE75cWSo
— 🥀 (@mingloss_93) May 9, 2025
2. Scrutinize social media accounts.
Following Operation Sindoor, the Indian government directed X to block over 8,000 accounts spreading misinformation, many of which were linked to Pakistani entities. To identify and avoid fake accounts:
Check account details: Look at the account’s creation date, follower count, and previous posts.
Beware of impersonators: Some accounts may pose as Indian officials or news outlets. Verify their authenticity through official websites.
Report suspicious activity: If you come across accounts spreading false information, report them to the platform and relevant authorities.
🚨 fake news alert 🚨
Pakistan’s propaganda machinery is actively using fake social media accounts disguised as Indians — even falsely posing as members of the Indian Armed Forces. Their goal? To spread misinformation,
(1/2)#OperationSindoor #PahalgamTerroristAttack pic.twitter.com/6RiUH5ITpW
— Infoguardian (@Infoguardian_in) May 7, 2025
3. Understand the reality of the situation.
India is facing aggression from a neighboring country that has a history of supporting terrorism. The Indian Armed Forces are conducting precision strikes targeting terrorist infrastructure, ensuring minimal collateral damage. It’s essential to recognize that:
The military is prepared: The Army, Navy, and Air Force are equipped and trained to handle such situations.
India is not targeting civilians: India’s operations focus on neutralizing threats, not harming civilians.
Support is crucial: Express solidarity with the armed forces and trust in their capabilities.
4. Stay calm during precautionary measures.
You may encounter mock drills, temporary closures of public spaces, or sirens. These are standard safety protocols. Remember:
Don’t panic: These measures are preventive, not indicative of immediate danger.
Follow official instructions: Adhere to guidelines issued by local authorities and emergency services.
Stay informed: Keep up with news from reliable sources for updates.
5. Be cautious with WhatsApp and other messaging platforms.
Verify before sharing: Don’t forward messages without confirming their authenticity.
Use official channels: Refer to government websites or official social media accounts for accurate information.
Educate others: Encourage friends and family to be vigilant and responsible in sharing information.
India has been flooded with Pro Pakistan social media handles: The claim that Indian soldiers are crying and abandoning there posts is FAKE!!!
Watch Wion for more such fact checks@ShivanChanana brings you this report pic.twitter.com/pKbe5qb9S4
— WION (@WIONews) May 10, 2025
At a time when war isn’t just fought on borders but also on your phone screens, your reposts, shares, and retweets matter. Misinformation isn’t just annoying, it’s dangerous. So double-check before you hit forward, call out fake news, and use your voice to amplify facts, not fear.
India’s got boots on the ground. What we need now is brains on the internet – and we have to be that.