Approach:

Introduction: Briefly explain the concept of fake news.

Body: Discuss in detail its impact and government measures to tackle fake news.

Conclusion: Give a brief way forward and include the responsibility of different stakeholders to tackle fake news.

Answer:

Fake news or misinformation is a growing problem in today's digital age. It can be defined as fabricated or manipulated information that is disseminated with the intention to deceive or mislead the public. Fake news can have serious consequences, from causing confusion and panic to inciting violence and hatred. In this context, the impact of fake content and news on society can be far-reaching, damaging, and long-lasting.

Impact of fake news and content:

1. Undermining public trust: The spread of fake news can erode public trust in traditional news sources, government institutions, and expert opinions, leading to widespread cynicism and scepticism. This can ultimately lead to a decline in social cohesion and a lack of effective communication.
2. Violence and Hate: Fake news has the potential to incite violence and hatred towards individuals or groups. This can lead to discrimination, intolerance, and even physical harm. For example, the Muzaffarnagar Riots of 2013 are said to be triggered by fake news regarding extremist instances.
   
   
3. Misleading public opinion: Fake news can easily shape public opinion on different issues by presenting false or misleading information. This can result in the spread of hateful or extreme ideas that can destabilize communities and societies.
   
4. Spread of panic and anxiety: Fake news can create or exacerbate public fears about issues like public health crises, natural disasters, or political events. This can contribute to panic, anxiety, and other negative emotional and psychological effects. For example, Fake news of COVID Vaccines causing infertility led to panic and anxiety.
   
5. Recruitment and promotion of extremist ideologies: Social media platforms have been used to spread extremist ideologies, including white supremacist and far-right ideologies, among susceptible audiences. This can lead to the radicalization of individuals and promote violent behaviour. For example, Fake propaganda is spread through Fake news by organisations like ISIS to recruit terrorists.
   
6. Damage to reputations and livelihoods: Individuals or organizations subjected to fake news attacks can suffer reputational damage that can result in long-term loss of business or employment opportunities. False accusations and rumours can also result in damage to relationships and social standing. For example, the Pizzagate conspiracy theory emerged during the 2016 United States presidential election. This damaged the reputation of several Democrats.
   

Measures to check fake online content against the government:

1. Fact-checking websites: There are many fact-checking websites that perform independent verification of news stories and other online content. Some popular examples include FactCheck.org, PolitiFact, and Snopes. These websites often reference government sources and provide links to official statements and data to back up their claims.
2. Official government sources: Another way to check the authenticity of online content is to verify it against official government sources. For example, if there is a news story claiming that a new law has been passed, you can check the website of the relevant government agency to see if the information is accurate.
3. Social media monitoring: Many government agencies and law enforcement organizations monitor social media for fake content that could be harmful or misleading. If you come across suspicious content, you can report it to the relevant authorities for investigation.
4. Collaborative efforts: Governments can collaborate with tech companies, fact-checking organizations and news outlets to develop standards and protocols for detecting and verifying fake content. One example of such collaboration is the Trusted News Initiative, a group of major news and tech companies working together to combat disinformation online.
5. The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2023, amending the IT Rules, 2021: New I-T rules according to which the Press Information Bureau has got the power to flag any fake news about the Central government. PIB also gets the power to order social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube to take down what is flagged as fake news.
6. The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021: This new set of rules was introduced in February 2021 and applies to social media intermediaries and OTT platforms operating in India. These rules require social media platforms to remove any content that is deemed to be defamatory, obscene, or fake within 24 hours of receiving a complaint.
7. The Indian Penal Code: Several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) can be used to prosecute individuals spreading fake news and misinformation. These include Section 153 (provocation with intent to cause riot), Section 505 (statements conducing to public mischief), and Section 500 (defamation).
8. The Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995: This act regulates the content of television channels in India. The government can take action against TV channels that broadcast fake news or misinformation under this act.
9. The Press Council Act, 1978: This act governs the functioning of the Press Council of India, which is responsible for maintaining the standards of newspapers, news agencies, and journalists. The council can act against journalists and media houses that publish fake news and misinformation.
10. The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2015: This act deals with cybercrimes such as hacking, identity theft, and the spread of viruses. It can also be used to prosecute individuals spreading fake news and misinformation through electronic means.

Fake news has a significant impact on society and can cause severe damage. It is crucial for governments, social media platforms, and individuals to take responsibility for preventing its spread by identifying and debunking fake news stories, regulating social media, promoting media literacy programs, and launching public awareness campaigns.