1.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Disinformation has been termed as a progressive CROSS CUTTING problem
of the 21 century. Be it technology or any other sector it affects people and
their lifestyle directly influencing and creating false narratives blocking the
decision making process. The pandemic of COVID 19 has emerged not just as
a challenge for the health industry but at the technological front it further
infuriated and alleviated the chaos.
Though there has been many AWARENESS and CAPACITY BUILDING done
but the rigidity of influence and lack of proper values has created a
limitation of progress. With the growing technology and use of Artificial
intelligence (AI), disinformation is managed in a more organized, well
resourced, and reinforced process amplifying the impact and repercussion
creating a layering effect. Based on the information the algorithm promotes
misleading, sensationalist and conspiratorial content amplifying the spread
of disinformation.
The major challenge of the disinformation at times of crisis is not only the
impact but the effect that it creates on HUMAN BEHAVIOR. The infodemic
ripples that are launched in the COMMUNICATION process creates
complication that targets MINORITIES and VULNERABLE groups where Fact-
checking has becomes merely a process of TRIAL and ERROR.
Different studies in the topic shows that due to false narratives people’s
willingness was declined to comply with social guidelines (wearing masks,
maintaining social distancing, vaccination etc.) this is merely an example of
what can happen as an immediate effect but a more progressive and long
terms effect can be seen with greater number of rise in Cyber security cases
and loosing TRUST over the COMMUNICATION PROCESS.
Report on Disinformation and its Practice during COVID 19 in Developing Countries Shreedeep
Rayamajhi | Rayznews| Learn Internet Governance | Internet and Democracy

2.
The authenticity of Information has become a bigger challenges in context of
BIG DATA where it directly affects people at public level.
The virtual world has entailed social networks with the popularity of reach
that creates information spread to occur at an amplified and distorted way
of information being communicated without accuracy and reliability.
The disinformation issue is not a single dimension problem where research
shows how disinformation campaigns particularly target minorities and
vulnerable groups, and other in the lower chain. Whether its the election
process or any other information process, disinformation has emerged as a
fight against DIGITAL TRUST
On one hand the disinformation is creating false narratives which is
prohibiting people from taking the medicine and creating a situation where
as on the other hand DIGITAL AUTHORITARIANISM is yet another reality
which has accelerated in the name of protecting the public.
Various new technologies are used and deployed under the name of COVID-
19 management creating threats to infringement of HUMAN and DIGITAL
RIGHTS at various level which needs serious consideration in making the
internet OPEN for ALL.
Report on Disinformation and its Practice during COVID 19 in Developing Countries Shreedeep
Rayamajhi | Rayznews| Learn Internet Governance | Internet and Democracy

3.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SURVEY:
Date of Survey 07/05/2021 -12/05/2021
Survey form Google docs
Link https://forms.gle/v6ijVBwpDKVQXs2f8
Target Group Internet users and community
Survey type Questionnaire
Participation number 51 Participants (Global)
Methodology:
The survey was done using google doc application where people were
invited to attend the survey. Various links were set-up on social media sites
like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for inviting people for the participation.
Various internet communities from different regions were contacted for the
responses as well.
During this survey the participants were asked various questions in terms of
knowledge of misinformation and disinformation practice, their basic
understanding, knowledge, challenges and various other social indicators of
user behavior.
The selection of participants has been random including invitations sent and
shared. Participants from various fields and sectors have contributed in
voicing the current problems and challenges of their local knowledge and
understanding about Disinformation & its practice, during COVID 19 in their
respective communities.
Report on Disinformation and its Practice during COVID 19 in Developing Countries Shreedeep
Rayamajhi | Rayznews| Learn Internet Governance | Internet and Democracy

4.
RESEARCH OBJECTIVE
The basic objective of this survey is to understand the common knowledge
of disinformation and its Practice during COVID 19 crisis in developing
countries. With this survey we have tried to map the various indicators that
increasing vulnerability due to disinformation in developing countries.
The difference in adaptation and acceptance of right values and the current
boom of social media simple creates unwanted rise in Disinformation
process. between the developed and developing nations it hugely impacts
the socio-cultural and user behavior which multiplies and creates barrier for
the false narrative to establish in the communication process.
This report deals with the basic objective of understanding the capacity of
normal person in terms of their knowledge and adaptation of Disinformation
in their own community and its vulnerabilities.
 Finding the basic knowledge and understanding of Disinformation in
different communities
 Highlighting the problems and challenges of Disinformation during
Covid 19
 Impact of Disinformation during Covid19 in developing nations
 Internet gaps and Digital divide
 Problems and challenges of stakeholders and groups
Report on Disinformation and its Practice during COVID 19 in Developing Countries Shreedeep
Rayamajhi | Rayznews| Learn Internet Governance | Internet and Democracy

5.
FINDINGS OF SURVEY
Survey Result
Report on Disinformation and its Practice during COVID 19 in Developing Countries Shreedeep
Rayamajhi | Rayznews| Learn Internet Governance | Internet and Democracy

6.
Report on Disinformation and its Practice during COVID 19 in Developing Countries Shreedeep
Rayamajhi | Rayznews| Learn Internet Governance | Internet and Democracy

7.
Report on Disinformation and its Practice during COVID 19 in Developing Countries Shreedeep
Rayamajhi | Rayznews| Learn Internet Governance | Internet and Democracy

8.
Report on Disinformation and its Practice during COVID 19 in Developing Countries Shreedeep
Rayamajhi | Rayznews| Learn Internet Governance | Internet and Democracy

9.
Report on Disinformation and its Practice during COVID 19 in Developing Countries Shreedeep
Rayamajhi | Rayznews| Learn Internet Governance | Internet and Democracy

10.
Report on Disinformation and its Practice during COVID 19 in Developing Countries Shreedeep
Rayamajhi | Rayznews| Learn Internet Governance | Internet and Democracy

11.
Report on Disinformation and its Practice during COVID 19 in Developing Countries Shreedeep
Rayamajhi | Rayznews| Learn Internet Governance | Internet and Democracy

12.
Report on Disinformation and its Practice during COVID 19 in Developing Countries Shreedeep
Rayamajhi | Rayznews| Learn Internet Governance | Internet and Democracy

13.
Report on Disinformation and its Practice during COVID 19 in Developing Countries Shreedeep
Rayamajhi | Rayznews| Learn Internet Governance | Internet and Democracy

14.
Report on Disinformation and its Practice during COVID 19 in Developing Countries Shreedeep
Rayamajhi | Rayznews| Learn Internet Governance | Internet and Democracy

15.
Report on Disinformation and its Practice during COVID 19 in Developing Countries Shreedeep
Rayamajhi | Rayznews| Learn Internet Governance | Internet and Democracy

16.
Report on Disinformation and its Practice during COVID 19 in Developing Countries Shreedeep
Rayamajhi | Rayznews| Learn Internet Governance | Internet and Democracy

17.
DISINFORMATION MAP
Source:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341260458/figure/fig4/AS:889098181025792@1588988933
382/Map-of-key-descriptors-about-fake-news.jpg
Report on Disinformation and its Practice during COVID 19 in Developing Countries Shreedeep
Rayamajhi | Rayznews| Learn Internet Governance | Internet and Democracy

18.
CONCLUSION
Today's internet is all about unprecedented information that is being
processed and catered in various forms in different platforms. The data
driven industry has been picked up by Social networks that have
transformed communication process to a newer level of virtual reality
where every thing has changed. The definition of being visible has a new
meaning creating a new status of being viral and popular.
The communication process that way hugely reliable and credible has been
complicated with the integration of various algorithm that intensifies as per
the condition and logic applied. In short being visible means opening more
or being more visible jeopardizing own footprint.
Disinformation with the current evolution of the growing technology has far-
reaching implications for human rights and democratic values around the
globe where it has emerged not just as a singular problem but a more
progressive and a cross cutting hardliners.
This threatens Freedom of Expression (FoE), Privacy and Democratic rights,
as well as endangers the human right in various forms of enactment. With
the rise in disinformation cases has resulted in reduce in democratic quality
of citizens faith over public democracy practice, limiting and distorting free
and fair value of public welfare. Human rights and democratic standards
have been subjected to rise in digital violence and repression with
governments and corporations trying to control the situation in a repressive
action to stop the chaos. A lot of our participant expressed that in the name
of disinformation power control is rising in lower and developing economies
where the problem of disinformation is managed against PEOPLE’s CHOICES.
Report on Disinformation and its Practice during COVID 19 in Developing Countries Shreedeep
Rayamajhi | Rayznews| Learn Internet Governance | Internet and Democracy

19.
Disinformation counteract human rights and democratic practice in the most
uncertain way.
The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified these trends and problems in such
level where there is limitation of explanation and regressive work is being
done against public rights and democracy.
The repressive effect has intensified rise in political arrest by restricting
freedom of expression and freedom of the media. Disinformation threatens
international human rights values at various level creating an uncertainty of
digital rights and democratic practice.
Key Takeaways
• Disinformation is a SOCIO-CULTURAL problem that needs global
values of DIGITAL LITERACY at grassroots level.
• The definition of NEWS MAKING and CONTENT has to be clarified.
• FACT CHECKING PROCESS needs to be regulated at individual, society
level and country level.
• HUMAN and DEMOCRATIC VALUES should not be complicated with
the communication process.
• Awareness of SELF REGULATION and COMMUNICATION process has
to be introduced.
• DIGITAL AUTHORITARIANISM threatens international human rights
values at various level creating an uncertainty of digital rights and
democratic practice which needs bigger discussion and collaboration
from the community.
Report on Disinformation and its Practice during COVID 19 in Developing Countries Shreedeep
Rayamajhi | Rayznews| Learn Internet Governance | Internet and Democracy

20.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Shreedeep Rayamajhi
ICANN Wiki: https://icannwiki.org/Shreedeep_Rayamajhi
Email: shreedeep@rayznews.com | rayamajhishreedeep@gmail.com
Website: http://www.rayznews.com/ |
http://www.internetgovernancediplomacy.blogspot.com/
Rayznews
Link: http://www.rayznews.com/
RayZnews is an Internet Organization based in Nepal that lobbies the un-heard
voices of people and caters a wide variety of news happening globally. We believe
in featuring or highlighting stories and voices against censorship, impunity,
injustice, human rights, FoE issues, Gender Equality, Digital rights, open standard
etc. Our mission is to raise awareness and to help people understand their digital
rights in highlighting DIGITAL EQUALITY wherever necessary.
http://www.rayznews.com/documents-research-paper/
Learn Internet Governance (Learn IG)
Link: http://learninternetgovernance.blogspot.com/
Learn Internet Governance is a Collaborative Community Development Program
(CCDP) which focuses on using local resources, knowledge and best practice to
reach out to the youth. It is an open knowledge sharing platform creating better
learning opportunity to produce new youth leaders.
Internet and Democracy
Link: https://internetanddemocracy.blogspot.com/
Internet and Democracy is a project that creates a broad platform among the
developing nations leaders to talks about the dynamic of democracy in relation to
common practice of democratic values in internet. The project carters a wide
range of scope in materializing the relevance of online and offline right and their
challenges.
Report on Disinformation and its Practice during COVID 19 in Developing Countries Shreedeep
Rayamajhi | Rayznews| Learn Internet Governance | Internet and Democracy