India-Pakistan, May 2 -- As secularism faces increasing threats from fundamentalist, communal, and ultra-conservative forces across South Asia, the recent Pahalgam terror attack-a heinous act in which 26 tourists lost their lives-has further inflamed communal tensions and brought identity politics back into sharp focus. While such barbaric acts must be dealt with firmly, it is equally important to confront the surge of misinformation and hate speech on social media, which is fueling division and intolerance among citizens.

Weaponizing Misinformation

In an era where secularism and tolerance are being dismissed as outdated concepts, unchecked disinformation has become a potent tool for jingoistic forces. The online campaigns being waged b...