Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday cited the growing threat posed by deepfakes and coordinated disinformation campaigns, warning that the foundation of public trust is under pressure globally.
Speaking at the Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) 2026 conclave, Vaishnau said the rapid development of technology has enabled the creation and dissemination of manipulated content on an unprecedented scale.
“The way the world projects itself today, the fundamental principle of trust, is under threat,” he said, stressing that misinformation is no longer isolated but systemic.
Detailing the nature of the threat, he added: “The threat comes from many different angles – Deepfakes – which can make you believe things that never happened anyway.”
Vaishnaw also warned against ongoing misinformation campaigns that distort public perception. “The barrage of misinformation — which can cause this feeling of mistrust that doesn’t exist in real life,” he said.
He also pointed to the creation of fabricated digital materials targeting respectable individuals. He added: “Creating artificial images of people who are highly respected in society, and creating videos that have no relation to reality at all.”
According to the minister, the impact of such manipulated content goes beyond individual harm. “All so-called content, when it reaches the average citizen, begins to question the basic structure of society,” he said.
He added that the challenge is not limited to India, noting that “it is happening everywhere, not just in India,” and reflects a broader global concern about the misuse of emerging technologies.
DNPA 2026 Meeting
The DNPA event aims to bring together policymakers, media leaders and industry professionals to discuss developments in digital journalism and artificial intelligence.
The event will focus on regulatory frameworks, newsroom transformation, content monetization, and the broader economics of digital publishing in an AI-driven environment.
“At a time when artificial intelligence is reshaping the foundations of news, it is important for publishers, policymakers and platforms to come together to build a framework rooted in trust and responsibility,” said Maryam Mammen Mathew, President of the Digital News Publishers Association.
“The future of digital journalism will depend on how effectively we align innovation with sustainability and exchange fair value and public interest,” added Puneet Gupte, Vice President.
