Pakistan is facing a major challenge to its public discourse and democratic values in the form of “disinformation.” The proliferation of online disinformation has exacerbated problems related to accessing credible information, political polarisation, manipulation of social media discussions, trust in the news media, and the spread of hate speech. However, the issue of disinformation often intersects with two key pillars of society: free speech and journalism.

The ability to express opinions and ideas without the risk of retaliation is a fundamental aspect of democracy, commonly known as free speech. Journalism, at its core, is a profession that seeks to uncover the truth and report it to the public. As technology has advanced and social media platforms have become more ubiquitous, the dissemination of information and disinformation has accelerated, often blurring the lines between fact and fiction. In this article, we will explore the various factors at play at this intersection and examine the implications for journalism, disinformation, and free speech.

Disinformation is a form of speech that can harm others, while free speech is considered a fundamental right that should be safeguarded at any cost. Nevertheless, this right can also be abused to disseminate false information or propaganda, which can compromise the integrity of public discourse and threaten democracy. Hence, this right must be balanced against other rights, such as the right to privacy, the right to a fair trial, and the right to be protected from harm.

Also, disinformation poses a significant threat to free speech, as it can be used as a tool to suppress legitimate voices. Disinformation campaigns often target individuals or groups that are critical of the government or other powerful institutions. By spreading false or misleading information about these individuals, disinformation campaigns can damage their reputations and make it more difficult for them to express their opinions freely. Consequently, drawing a line between free speech and harm in the context of disinformation is an essential responsibility.

There is a debate on whether free speech should be unrestricted and the government should refrain from any interference or whether certain limitations should be imposed on speech when it is intended to cause harm or is demonstrably false. At first, it is important to recognise that not all speech is created equal. While free speech is important, it is not an absolute right. In some cases, the harm caused by speech can outweigh its value. In such cases, it may be necessary to place limits on such speech in order to protect the safety and well-being of others. In addition, we need to recognise that disinformation is not just a matter of opinion. While everyone is entitled to their own beliefs and perspectives, the spread of false information can have real-world consequences; it can even threaten the foundations of democracy and the rule of law.

Therefore, it is important to distinguish between legitimate opinions and deliberate attempts to deceive. At the same time, we need to be careful not to overreact to the issue of disinformation. It is important to ensure that any measures taken to address disinformation do not unduly restrict free speech or undermine the principles of democracy. For example, we should be wary of censorship or other forms of government control over the media. Instead, we should focus on promoting media literacy and critical thinking skills, as well as supporting independent media outlets that can provide reliable and trustworthy information.

In today’s digital age, we are bombarded with a deluge of information from various sources, making it difficult to distinguish between truth and falsehood. However, the rise of disinformation has challenged the credibility and integrity of journalism, as disinformation is often disguised as legitimate news, making it difficult for readers to distinguish between the two. Additionally, the rise of social media and citizen journalism has blurred the lines between professional journalism and user-generated content. Consequently, disinformation is becoming a significant concern, and its intersection with journalism is becoming more intricate.

The trend of launching malicious attacks against journalists was exemplified by the use of the hashtag “Arrest Anti-Pakistan Journalists” in 2019. To combat online harassment targeting female journalists and commentators, a collective of Pakistani female journalists released a joint statement in August 2020. The journalists pointed fingers at government officials and supporters of the ruling party, accusing them of fuelling the online abuse. Furthermore, the journalists claimed that they had been wrongfully accused of spreading false information on social media. These coordinated campaigns of disinformation and cyber-bullying appear to have been executed with the aim of undermining the public’s trust in the media and preventing access to impartial news and information.

Hence, disinformation is not just a problem for individual news outlets or journalists; it is a systemic threat to the entire profession of journalism. When people believe false information, they lose faith in the accuracy and credibility of all news sources. This makes it harder for journalists to do their jobs, as they face greater scepticism and scrutiny from the public. A study conducted by Media Matters for Democracy in 2020 found that 61% of Pakistani journalists feel unsafe while doing their job. The study also revealed that 72% of journalists believed that self-censorship was a widespread phenomenon in Pakistani media.

Another factor which is at play in this intersection is a lack of conceptual understanding of disinformation among the journalist community. “I feel there is still; unfortunately, a lack of understanding about what is disinformation. Obviously, a lack of understanding (of disinformation) exists among news consumers, but it is also evident among news producers,” the interviewee said. “Even senior journalists perhaps do not differentiate between analysis, opinion, facts, and information, and this also colours their own perceptions of disinformation.”

The interviewee said this assessment was based on the observation that when asked to quote examples of disinformation, journalists often shared instances that were simply opinions with which they disagreed. Hence, Pakistani journalists continue to struggle with their own digital media literacy, and because even the largest media organisations lack robust internal fact-checking systems, journalists’ vulnerability to disinformation has grown over time.

So, what can be done about this intersection? While there is no one solution, a multi-faceted approach is needed. Primarily, individuals need to be educated about how to identify and fact-check false information. Then, social media platforms and other organisations need to take responsibility for the content they host and take action against the spread of false information. Finally, journalists must continue to uphold their professional standards and be transparent about their sources and reporting methods.

In conclusion, the intersection of free speech, disinformation, and journalism is a complex and difficult issue that must be carefully considered. While free speech is a basic human right, it can be abused to spread harmful false news. Journalism is critical in disseminating accurate and reliable information, but it is also prone to bias and error. It is crucial for society to strike a balance between protecting free speech and combating disinformation, as well as promoting responsible journalism practices that prioritise truth and accuracy.