Model Question and Answers for APSC | Use of Internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a major concern. How have these been misused in the recent past? Suggest effective guidelines to curb the above threat.

Ans: The misuse of the Internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a major concern in today's world. Over the years, these platforms have been misused in several ways, including:

• Propagation Of Hate Speech And Extremist Ideologies: The Internet and social media have been used to spread hate speech and extremist ideologies, leading to the radicalization of individuals. Example: The use of social media by the Resistance Front (TRF) in kashmir.

• Cyberstalking And Cyberbullying: The anonymity provided by these platforms has been misused to harass, bully, and stalk individuals.

• Recruitment of terrorists: Terrorist organizations have been known to use the Internet and social media to recruit individuals, particularly young people, into their ranks. Example: as done earlier by ISIS.

• Disinformation and propaganda: Non-state actors have used these platforms to spread disinformation and propaganda, with the aim of manipulating public opinion.

To curb the above threats, the following guidelines could be effective:

• Regulation Of Social Media Platforms: Governments could regulate social media platforms to ensure that they are not misused for subversive activities. This could include measures such as requiring platforms to remove content that promotes hate speech and extremism.

• Surveillance And Intelligence Gathering: Law enforcement agencies could monitor social media platforms to gather intelligence on potential threats and track the activities of non-state actors.

• Awareness Campaigns: Governments could launch awareness campaigns to educate individuals on the risks of online radicalization and cyberbullying. This could help individuals to identify and report suspicious activities.

• Collaboration between governments and social media platforms: Governments could collaborate with social media platforms to identify and remove content that promotes hate speech and extremism. This could include sharing of data and information.

• Strengthening cybersecurity measures: Governments could take steps to strengthen cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure and prevent cyberattacks by non-state actors.

The misuse of the Internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a major concern. Effective guidelines such as regulation of social media platforms, surveillance, and intelligence gathering, awareness campaigns, collaboration between governments and social media platforms, and strengthening cybersecurity measures could help curb this threat.