DisinfoLab, a prominent European NGO, has recently made a startling revelation concerning the detection of 265 fake media outlets spread across 65 countries. These outlets, according to the NGO’s report, have strong connections to the controversial Shrivastava Group of companies, Madi Sharma, and the International Institute of Non-Aligned Studies (IINS), based in New Delhi, India.
The investigation conducted by DisinfoLab highlighted that these fake media outlets consistently published syndicated content from sources such as Russia Today and Voice of America. Furthermore, these outlets were found to be actively involved in media campaigns specifically targeting Pakistan. The NGO claims that this network appears to be clandestinely serving Indian interests and is designed to influence both the European Union and various UN agencies.
Of particular significance are the connections between this network and Madi Sharma, who gained attention after inviting a group of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to visit Kashmir. The expenses for this trip were allegedly covered by the relatively unknown International Institute of Non-Aligned Studies (IINS) based in New Delhi. These links to India, as indicated by DisinfoLab’s report, raise questions about the true intentions and motivations behind this extensive fake media empire.
The implications of such a network are deeply concerning. The ability to manipulate public opinion through the dissemination of false or misleading information is a significant threat to the democratic process and the integrity of journalism. In this case, the alleged focus on influencing the European Union and UN agencies suggests a broader objective of shaping international narratives and policies.
The findings presented by DisinfoLab underscore the need for increased vigilance and scrutiny in the field of media and information. As fake news and disinformation continue to proliferate, it becomes crucial for governments, organizations, and individuals to be discerning consumers of news and to verify the credibility of their sources. Collaborative efforts between civil society, media watchdogs, and tech companies are also essential in combating the spread of disinformation and protecting the integrity of the information ecosystem.
This report highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in media ownership and funding. Uncovering the connections between fake media outlets and influential individuals or organizations is crucial for exposing hidden agendas and safeguarding the public interest. Journalistic standards and ethical practices should be upheld, ensuring that news sources prioritize accuracy, impartiality, and independence.
The revelations made by DisinfoLab serve as a wake-up call for societies globally. As disinformation campaigns become increasingly sophisticated and pervasive, it is imperative that we remain vigilant in discerning fact from fiction. Only through a collective commitment to truth and responsible information dissemination can we preserve the integrity of our democratic systems and protect the public’s right to accurate and unbiased news.
Madi Sharma Group includes:Madi Magnesium – Consultancy, Corporate and Government, including international business brokerage “I3I”.
Madi No Excuses! – A group of companies focussed on the promotion of entrepreneurship and empowerment of human capital, including Extraordinary Education, active entrepreneurship – enterprise education; AcadAMadi – University of Life courses; CoSeed virtual business support complex, and Global Entrepreneur Envoy.
WESTT Women’s Economic & Social Think Tank – Political and societal advocacy think tank for the empowerment and equality of women globally.