India Most Prone To Fake News: Microsoft

Users in India are more likely to come across fake news as compared to other 22 countries in the world.

Islamabad (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 4th March, 2019) India is mostly likely to encounter fake news than any other country in the world, a recent report by microsoft stated.

Microsoft released its third Digital Civility Index on the occasion of Safer Internet Day. Digital civility means positive and better online habits for a safe online experience.

The index revealed that users in India are more likely to come across fake news as compared to other 22 countries in the world.

Indian users’ encounter with fake news accounts for 64% which is 7% higher than the 57% consumption globally.

Additionally, internet hoaxes and phishing/spoofing contributed to 54% and 42% of India, respectively.

It is suggested that there are three types of risks prominent in India in comparison with global averages, namely, receiving obscene content, fake news, and internet hoaxes.

“Social circles became riskier in India,” the survey said.

Such hoaxes can have dangerous consequences after over 40 people were killed in India last year due to rumours spread across WhatsApp.