Ceasefire Declared, but Will Misinformation Stop Too? IT Ministry Shares Best Practices for Safe Social Media Use

New Delhi: After nearly three weeks of military conflict triggered by a brutal terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, India and Pakistan have agreed to a full ceasefire. But even if the guns fall silent on land, sea and air, information continues to rage on social media platforms, where misinformation, propaganda and fake news still flood feeds.

On 10 May, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of Pakistan reached out to his Indian counterpart, and both sides agreed to halt all military actions effective 5:00 pm, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced. “Instructions have been issued on both sides to implement this understanding,” he said, adding that another DGMO-level dialogue is scheduled for 12 May.

The breakthrough came hours after US President Donald Trump declared, via a social media post, a successful mediation, applauding both nations for agreeing to an immediate ceasefire.

Despite this diplomatic progress, social media remains saturated with manipulated narratives. State agencies, including cyber cells across the country, continue to battle the barrage of fake news being shared about the conflict.

For example, PIB Fact Check issued a stern warning: “Your social media feeds are under attack.” Maharashtra Cyber revealed it had removed over 5,000 fake posts related to the conflict, including fabricated content about troop movements and military strategies.

Officials have specifically accused Pakistan of leveraging social media to spread propaganda during the sensitive period. Foreign Secretary Misri and Indian defence officers have repeatedly highlighted attempts by Pakistan to mislead the public through disinformation.

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh dismissed claims by Pakistan about destroying India’s S-400 and BrahMos systems as “entirely baseless,” stating that Pakistan has suffered significant losses in the conflict.

However, in response, the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) issued an urgent online safety advisory on 9 May. Citizens were asked to refrain from sharing unverified news, especially related to the military, and instead rely on official sources.

The advisory urged vigilance, emphasising that misinformation not only misleads but could provoke further tensions. The government also provided a WhatsApp number (+91 8799711259) and email (socialmedia@pib.gov.in) for users to report suspicious or inflammatory content.

While the battlefield hostilities may have paused, the digital battlefield remains volatile. A post-ceasefire period could witness a surge in false narratives designed to sway public opinion or undermine trust.

As the government maintains pressure on Pakistan through other measures, including the continued suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, the importance of digital hygiene and responsible online behaviour remains paramount.

With peace tentatively restored, the challenge now is not only to preserve calm along borders but also to cleanse the online space of toxic misinformation. The Ministry’s advice stands firm; share responsibly, verify before you forward, and report anything suspicious.

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