An Actor-Centric Analysis of Misinformation and Disinformation on Democracy in South Asia: Roles and Strategies of Key Stakeholder

This study investigates how different actors contribute to the creation, dissemination, and consumption of misinformation and disinformation in South Asia regarding democracy, examining the factors that influence their behaviours and strategies. The central research question asks: Why is the issue of democracy in the South Asia region so important for distant, non-regional countries like the UK and the US, while both the US and the UK maintain very close ties with countries in West Asia that are not democratic? Why is democracy not as important for them in that context, and what motivates these actions? By examining the interplay between geopolitical interests and information ecosystems, the study highlights how these external interests intersect with local misinformation networks to shape narratives about democracy. Given South Asia’s socio-cultural diversity and complex digital landscape, understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing effective countermeasures to protect public discourse and democratic integrity. To address this question, the study employs an actor-centric framework combined with a mixed-methods approach. Data were gathered through qualitative content analysis of misinformation instances on digital platforms, interviews with experts in Indian media and technology, and social network analysis to map the connections and influence patterns between key actors. The qualitative analysis identifies the distinct motivations and strategies of various stakeholders, while social network analysis highlights the networks through which misinformation flows, identifying central actors and influential channels in the ecosystem. This actor-centric approach reveals the layered and interconnected motivations driving misinformation in India. Individuals may disseminate misinformation based on personal beliefs, political affiliations, or social incentives, while organised entities, including political groups and state agencies, may use misinformation strategically to influence public opinion and further political agendas. Additionally, media organisations and social media platforms inadvertently facilitate misinformation spread due to algorithms prioritising engagement over accuracy. By mapping these interactions and motivations, the study illuminates the complex network of influence and behavioural incentives contributing to misinformation in India. The findings underscore the need for targeted policy interventions, enhanced fact-checking mechanisms, and increased media literacy among the public. This study not only contributes to the literature on misinformation in the context of South Asia (India) but also offers actionable insights for designing multi-actor strategies to combat misinformation.