Freedom of Speech and Expression in the Age of Social Media
Introduction
The debate between free speech and social responsibility is one of the oldest, long-running debates in history. Free speech is considered to be at the heart of every democracy. It is considered the “mother” of all other freedoms, enshrined in Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution under Part III: Fundamental Rights. It takes various shapes and forms according to the sociopolitical context of society. Evelyn Beatrice Hall, a prominent English writer of the 19th century, laid the foundation of every democracy when she wrote in her book, "I disapprove of what you say, but I willdefend to the death your right to say it." The drastic misuse of social media to disseminate propaganda and fakenews makes it a marketplace of half-baked truth, becoming the antithesis ofwhat early philosophers dreamed of for a democratic modern age. Losethe ethics, and there you have it, the modern conceptualisation of freedom ofspeech and expression in the digital age. The right to freedom of speech andexpression is one of the most fundamental rights, but its exercise is notunfettered, and certain limits are placed upon this right under Art. 19 (2).Every right comes with a corresponding duty, and the exercise of such freedomalso puts the citizenry under the responsibility not to violate the rights ofothers and not to use the media to demean any other person.
SocialMedia: The New Public Square or a Weaponised Echo Chamber
InIndia, Art. 19(1)(a) of the constitution guarantees the right to freedom ofspeech and expression, but it is not absolute. Under Art. 19(2), this right issubject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of public order, decency,morality, and national security. This is construed as a freedom for everyindividual to freely express their opinions, but not to incite violence, spreadfalsehoods, or harm others’ dignity. Unfortunately, the boundaries betweenthese are increasingly blurred.
Thedissemination of unfiltered media and the strangulation of innocence by pushingoften vulgar and obscene content down the throats of individuals, withoutverifying the age and gender profile of the social media user, is a big farcein the name of free speech and a conscious attempt by the intermediaries andsocial media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Threads, etc., to wriggleout of their responsibility. A prime example is when Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, on7th January 2025, gave a statement asserting less intervention into what peoplefind on its social media platforms as the new “best practice”. While lessinterference would have worked in a generation that merely operated on thediffering, dissenting, and raw ideas bred by the minds of differentindividuals, it is not the case for this day and age. There has been asignificant rise in cases where social media platforms have been used as abattleground for disputes, spreading communal violence, misinformation, anddisinformation.
Thereis no debate about the fact that social media platforms have fostered a globalexpression, making the world a global village, bringing everyone together. Onthe other hand, the platforms have become the epicentre of computer-basedcrimes, where children and teenagers often become prey to these crimes,cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.
Rising Importance of Platform Accountability
Themost pertinent question that is to be asked with a conscious mind is whether anunregulated media is a reflection of Freedom of Speech, a right given to us byour constitution under Article. 19(1)(a), or whether free speech is just a garbby big stakeholders, and we are all victims of an impending infodemic andvictims of AI algorithms, because, as per the reports that surfaced during theCovid-19 pandemic, India saw a dramatic 214% rise in false information. Anotherreport by the UNESCO-Ipsos survey revealed that 85% of Indian respondentsencounter online hate speech, with around 64% pointing to social media as aprimary source.
While the focus on platform accountability is critical, it is equally important to recognise that the right to free speech is not absolute. Therefore, users also bear a constitutional responsibility while exercising this right. Free expression in a democratic society must be accompanied by civic digital behaviour, which includes refraining from spreading hate speech, misinformation, or engaging in harmful conduct online. The most recent example of this is the case of Ranveer Gautam Allahabadia vs. UOI (popularly known as “Latent Case”); the court came down heavily on the hosts and makers of the show and made its position crystal clear by stating, “there is nothinglike a fundamental right on platter...the fundamental rights are all followedby a duty...unless those people understand duty, there is no [...] deal withthat kind of elements...if somebody wants to enjoy fundamental rights, thiscountry gives a guarantee to enjoy, but guarantee is with a duty so thatguarantee will involve performing that duty also” .
The Way Forward: CyberPeace Suggests
In order to realise the benefits and derive the true benefits from the rights we are provided, especially the one in discussion, i.e., Freedom of Speech and Expression, the government and the designated intermediaries and regulators have to prepare both roadmaps, one for “Platform Accountability” and one for "User Accountability”, wherein the regulators with a reasonable foresight should conduct Algorithm Risk Audits which is a technique to make algorithms and there effects on content feeds visible. It can be an effective tool and an objective manner to compare how algorithms are automatically pushing different content to different users in an unfair or unbalanced way. As for user accountability, “Digital Literacy” is the way forward, ensuring that social media remains a marketplace of ideas and does not become a minefield of misfires.
Related Blogs
Executive Summary:
A viral claim circulated in social media that Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant wore clothes made of pure gold during their pre-wedding cruise party in Europe. Thorough analysis revealed abnormalities in image quality, particularly between the face, neck, and hands compared to the claimed gold clothing, leads to possible AI manipulation. A keyword search found no credible news reports or authentic images supporting this claim. Further analysis using AI detection tools, TrueMedia and Hive Moderator, confirmed substantial evidence of AI fabrication, with a high probability of the image being AI-generated or a deep fake. Additionally, a photo from a previous event at Jio World Plaza matched with the pose of the manipulated image, further denying the claim and indicating that the image of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant wearing golden outfit during their pre-wedding cruise was digitally altered.
Claims:
Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant wore clothes made of pure gold during their pre-wedding cruise party in Europe.
Fact Check:
When we received the posts, we found anomalies that were usually found in edited images or AI manipulated images, particularly between the face, neck, and hands.
It’s very unusual in any image. So we then checked in AI Image detection software named Hive Moderation detection tool and found it to be 95.9% AI manipulated.
We also checked with another widely used AI detection tool named True Media. True Media also found it to be 100% to be made using AI.
This implies that the image is AI-generated. To find the original image that has been edited, we did keyword search. We found an image with the same pose as in the manipulated image, with the title "Radhika Merchant, Anant Ambani pose with Mukesh Ambani at Jio World Plaza opening”. The two images can be compared to verify that the digitally altered image is the same.
Hence, it’s confirmed that the viral image is digitally altered and has no connection with the 2nd Pre-wedding cruise party in Europe. Thus the viral image is fake and misleading.
Conclusion:
The claim that Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant wore clothes made of pure gold at their pre-wedding cruise party in Europe is false. The analysis of the image showed signs of manipulation, and a lack of credible news reports or authentic photos supports that it was likely digitally altered. AI detection tools confirmed a high probability that the image was fake, and a comparison with a genuine photo from another event revealed that the image had been edited. Therefore, the claim is false and misleading.
- Claim: Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant wore clothes made of pure gold during their pre-wedding cruise party in Europe.
- Claimed on: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram
- Fact Check: Fake & Misleading
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Disclaimer:
The information is based on claims made by threat actors and does not imply confirmation of the breach, by CyberPeace. CyberPeace includes this detail solely to provide factual transparency and does not condone any unlawful activities. This information is shared only for research purposes and to spread awareness. CyberPeace encourages individuals and organizations to adopt proactive cybersecurity measures to protect against potential threats.
🚨 Data Breach Alert ⚠️:
Recently The Research Wing of CyberPeace and Autobot Infosec have come across a claim on a threat actor’s dark web website alleging a data breach involving 637k+ records from Federal Bank. According to the threat actor’s claim, the data allegedly includes sensitive details such as-
- 🧑Customer Name
- 🆔Customer ID
- 🏠 Customer Address
- 🎂 Date of Birth
- 🔢 Age
- 🚻 Gender
- 📞Mobile Number
- 🪪 PAN Number
- 🚘 Driving License Number
- 🛂 Passport Number
- 🔑 UID Number
- 🗳️ Voter ID Information
The alleged data was initially discovered on a dark web website, where the threat actors allegedly claimed to be offering the breached information for sale. Following their announcement of the breach, a portion of the data was reportedly published on December 27, 2024. A few days later, the full dataset was allegedly released on the same forum.
About the Threat Actor Group:
Bashe, a ransomware group that emerged in 2024, is claimed to have evolved from the LockBit ransomware group, previously operating under the names APT73 and Eraleig. The group employs data encryption combined with extortion tactics, threatening to release sensitive information if ransom demands are unmet. Their operations primarily target critical industries, including technology, healthcare, and finance, demonstrating a strategic focus on high-value sectors.
Breakdown of the Alleged Post by the Threat Actor:
- Target: Allegedly involves Customer’s Data of Federal Bank.
- Data Volume: Claimed breach includes 637,894 records.
- Data Fields: Threat actor claims the data contains sensitive information, including Customer name, Customer ID, Date of Birth, PAN Number, Age, Gender, Father Name, Spouse Name, Driving Licence, Passport Number, UID Number, Voter ID, District, Zip Code, Home Address, Mailing Address, State etc.
Analysis:
The analysis of the alleged data breach highlights the states purportedly most impacted, along with insights into the affected age groups, gender distribution, and other key insights associated with the compromised data. This evaluation aims to provide a clearer understanding of the claimed breach's scope and its potential demographic and geographic impact.
Top States Impacted:
As per the alleged breached data, Tamil Nadu has the highest number of affected customers, accounting for a significant 34.49% of the total breach. Karnataka follows closely with 26.89%, indicating a substantial number of individuals affected in the state. In contrast states such as Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan report minimal impact, with each state having less than 1% of affected customers. Gujarat records 3.70% of the breach, with a sharp drop in affected numbers from other states, highlighting a significant disparity in the extent of the breach across regions.
Impacted Age Range Statistics:
The alleged data breach has predominantly impacted customers in the 31-40 years age group, which constitutes the largest segment at 35.80% of the affected individuals. Following this, the 21-30 years age group also shows significant impact, comprising 27.72% of those affected. The 41-50 years age group accounts for 20.55% of the impacted population, while individuals aged 50 and above represent 12.68%. In contrast, the 0-20 years age group is the least affected, with only 3.24% of customers falling into this category.
Gender Wise Statistics:
The alleged data breach has predominantly impacted male customers, who constitute the majority at 74.05% of the affected individuals. Female customers account for 23.18%, while a smaller segment, categorized as "Others," constitutes 2.77%.
The alleged dataset from the threat actors indicated that a significant portion of customers' personal identification data was compromised. This includes sensitive information such as driving licenses, passport numbers, UID numbers, voter IDs, and PAN numbers.
Significance of the Allegations:
Though the claims have not been independently verified at our end it underscores the rising risks of cyberattacks and data breaches, especially in the financial and banking sectors. If true, the exposure of such sensitive information could lead to financial fraud, identity theft, and severe reputational damage for individuals and organizations alike.
CyberPeace Advisory:
CyberPeace emphasizes the importance of vigilance and proactive measures to address cybersecurity risks:
- Monitor Your Accounts: Keep a close eye on financial and email accounts for any suspicious activity.
- Update Passwords: Change your passwords immediately and enable Multi Factor Authentication(MFA) wherever possible.
- Beware of Phishing Attacks: Threat actors may exploit the leaked data to craft targeted phishing scams. Do not click on unsolicited links or share sensitive details over email or phone.
- For Organizations: Strengthen data protection mechanisms, regularly audit security infrastructure, and respond swiftly to emerging threats.
- Report: For more assistance or to report cyber incidents, visit https://cybercrime.gov.in or contact our helpline team at helpline@cyberpeace.net.
We advise affected parties and the broader public to stay alert and take necessary precautions. CyberPeace remains committed to raising awareness about cybersecurity threats and advocating for better protection mechanisms. We urge all stakeholders to investigate the claims and ensure appropriate steps are taken to protect the impacted data, if the breach is confirmed. Our Research Wing is actively observing the situation and we aim to collaborate with the stakeholders and relevant agencies to mitigate the impact.
Stay Vigilant! Stay CyberPeaceful.
Introduction
Romance scams have been rised in India. A staggering 66 percent of individuals in India have been ensnared by the siren songs of deceitful online dating schemes. These are not the attempts of yesteryears but rather a new breed of scams, seamlessly weaving the threads of traditional deceit with the sinew of cutting-edge technologies such as generative AI and deep fakes. A report by Tenable highlights the rise of romance scams in India, which now combine traditional tactics with advanced technologies like generative AI and deepfakes. Over 69% of Indians struggle to distinguish between artificial and authentic human voices. Scammers are using celebrity impersonations and platforms like Facebook to lure victims into a false sense of security.
The Romance Scam
A report by Tenable, the exposure management company, illuminates the disturbing evolution of these romance scams. It reveals a reality: AI-generated deep lakes have attained a level of sophistication where an astonishing 69 percent of Indians confess to struggling to discern between artificial and authentic human voices. This technological prowess has armed scammers with the tools to craft increasingly convincing personas, enabling them to perpetrate their nefarious acts with alarming success.
In 2023 alone, 43 percent of Indians reported falling victim to AI voice scams, with a staggering 83 percent of those targeted suffering financial loss. The scammers, like puppeteers, manipulate their digital marionettes with a deftness that is both awe-inspiring and horrifying. They have mastered the art of impersonating celebrities and fabricating personas that resonate with their targets, particularly preying on older demographics who may be more susceptible to their charms.
Social media platforms, which were once heralded as the town squares of the 21st century, have unwittingly become fertile grounds for these fraudulent activities. They lure victims into a false sense of security before the scammers orchestrate their deceitful symphonies. Chris Boyd, a staff research engineer at Tenable, issues a stern warning against the lure of private conversations, where the protective layers of security are peeled away, leaving individuals exposed to the machinations of these digital charlatans.
The Vulnerability of Individuals
The report highlights the vulnerability of certain individuals, especially those who are older, widowed, or experiencing memory loss. These individuals are systematically targeted by heartless criminals who exploit their longing for connection and companionship. The importance of scrutinising requests for money from newfound connections is underscored, as is the need for meticulous examination of photographs and videos for any signs of manipulation or deceit.
'Increasing awareness and maintaining vigilance are our strongest weapons against these heartless manipulations, 'safeguarding love seekers from the treacherous web of AI-enhanced deception.'
The landscape of love has been irrevocably altered by the prevalence of smartphones and the deep proliferation of mobile internet. Finding love has morphed into a digital odyssey, with more and more Indians turning to dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge. Yet, as with all technological advancements, there lurks a shadowy underbelly. The rapid adoption of dating sites has provided potential scammers with a veritable goldmine of opportunity.
It is not uncommon these days to hear tales of individuals who have lost their life savings to a person they met on a dating site or who have been honey-trapped and extorted by scammers on such platforms. A new study, titled 'Modern Love' and published by McAfee ahead of Valentine's Day 2024, reveals that such scams are rampant in India, with 39 percent of users reporting that their conversations with a potential love interest online turned out to be with a scammer.
The study also found that 77 percent of Indians have encountered fake profiles and photos that appear AI-generated on dating websites or apps or on social media, while 26 percent later discovered that they were engaging with AI-generated bots rather than real people. 'The possibilities of AI are endless, and unfortunately, so are the perils,' says Steve Grobman, McAfee’s Chief Technology Officer.
Steps to Safeguard
Scammers have not limited their hunting grounds to dating sites alone. A staggering 91 percent of Indians surveyed for the study reported that they, or someone they know, have been contacted by a stranger through social media or text message and began to 'chat' with them regularly. Cybercriminals exploit the vulnerability of those seeking love, engaging in long and sophisticated attempts to defraud their victims.
McAfee offers some steps to protect oneself from online romance and AI scams:
- Scrutinise any direct messages you receive from a love interest via a dating app or social media.
- Be on the lookout for consistent, AI-generated messages which often lack substance or feel generic.
- Avoid clicking on any links in messages from someone you have not met in person.
- Perform a reverse image search of any profile pictures used by the person.
- Refrain from sending money or gifts to someone you haven’t met in person, even if they send you money first.
- Discuss your new love interest with your trusted friend. It can be easy to overlook red flags when you are hopeful and excited.
Conclusion
The path is fraught with illusions, and only by arming oneself with knowledge and scepticism can one hope to find true connection without falling prey to the mirage of deceit. As we navigate this treacherous terrain, let us remember that the most profound connections are often those that withstand the test of time and the scrutiny of truth.
References
- https://www.businesstoday.in/technology/news/story/valentine-day-alert-deepfakes-genai-amplifying-romance-scams-in-india-warn-researchers-417245-2024-02-13
- https://www.indiatimes.com/amp/news/india/valentines-day-around-40-per-cent-indians-have-been-scammed-while-looking-for-love-online-627324.html
- https://zeenews.india.com/technology/valentine-day-deepfakes-in-romance-scams-generative-ai-in-scams-romance-scams-in-india-online-dating-scams-in-india-ai-voice-scams-in-india-cyber-security-in-india-2720589.html
- https://www.mcafee.com/en-us/consumer-corporate/newsroom/press-releases/2023/20230209.html
