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As tensions escalated between India and Pakistan following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, a torrent of misinformation flooded social media platforms, outpacing both automated moderation systems and human verification efforts. The digital deluge, experts warn, is testing the limits of platform governance during geopolitical flashpoints.

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Platforms including Meta’s WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, as well as Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) and Google’s YouTube, are once again under scrutiny for their handling of sensitive content during times of national crisis. Misinformation, particularly in regional languages and culturally coded formats, is spreading faster than moderators can flag or users can fact-check.

Amid growing concern, the Indian Ministry of Defence issued a rare advisory via its official WhatsApp channel, warning citizens about fake videos circulating online. The Ministry urged users to report such content to #PIBFactCheck, a government-led verification initiative. At the same time, India restricted access to X’s Global Affairs account after ordering the platform to block over 8,000 accounts accused of spreading false or provocative material.

A fragile framework under pressure

India’s current legal and regulatory framework, experts say, is ill-equipped to handle the evolving nature of digital misinformation, especially during periods of heightened security sensitivity. The country’s reliance on a patchwork of outdated laws, sporadic enforcement, and algorithmic moderation has raised alarms among legal and cybersecurity professionals.

“The legal tools we have today are blunt instruments,” said Sonam Chandwani, Managing Partner at KS Legal & Associates. “They’re good at blocking content after the fact, but they do little to prevent or deter the spread of misinformation in real time.”

Central to the government’s authority is the Information Technology Act, 2000, particularly Section 69A, which allows for the blocking of content deemed threatening to national security. Authorities recently invoked the provision to ban 16 Pakistani YouTube channels in the wake of the Pahalgam attack. Meanwhile, the Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code (2021) requires platforms to remove government-flagged content within 36 hours and appoint grievance officers. Yet critics argue these measures lack transparency and may suppress legitimate discourse.

Cybersecurity experts also point to Section 505 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalizes statements inciting public mischief, as a tool increasingly deployed to counter digital falsehoods. However, its application is often viewed as reactive and politically selective.

A system struggling to keep pace

For misinformation mitigation consultant Sagar Kaul, the larger issue lies in the system's overreliance on automation and its inability to scale local context.

“We’re seeing misinformation spread faster than it can be flagged,” Kaul said. “AI tools misfire. Community flagging gets abused. And harmful content often slips through because no one has the local expertise, or the time, to intervene.”

Kaul emphasized that platforms must reinvest in regional moderation teams and establish escalation protocols tailored for crisis situations. He also called for real-time transparency tools and stronger integration with civil society organizations, journalists, and fact-checkers.

“This chaos is exactly what bad actors count on,” he said. “They know the platforms are slow to respond. They know how to manipulate cultural nuance, humor, and recycled imagery to push propaganda.”

Cross-border threats and domestic gaps

Chandwani also highlighted the cross-border nature of today’s digital threats, particularly misinformation originating from hostile actors in Pakistan. Recent cyberattacks by groups such as the Pakistan Cyber Force targeted Indian defense websites, spreading doctored visuals and fabricated casualty figures.

Yet India’s legal toolkit remains domestically focused. “There’s no clear provision for holding foreign entities accountable,” Chandwani said. “And without international cooperation and robust attribution mechanisms, these campaigns continue unchecked.”

Proposed amendments to India’s IT Rules aim to tighten accountability, but critics argue they fall short of addressing state-sponsored misinformation and AI-driven disinformation warfare.

Debating the role of automation

Not all experts agree that human moderation is the answer. Gowthaman Ragothaman, CEO of Aqilliz, contends that AI holds promise, if deployed responsibly.

“Big tech firms should embed fact-checking algorithms to clearly flag verified content,” he said. “At this scale, human moderation alone is not feasible.”

Others, like educator Rohit Haldankar, advocate for community-driven moderation tools, such as the “Community Notes” feature on X. “This empowers users to collaboratively add context to misleading posts,” he said. “It’s a scalable approach when paired with public education.”

But deeper concerns persist about the business models underpinning these platforms. “The volume of user-generated content today is staggering,” said Rahul Vengalil, co-founder of tgthr. “If platforms are serious about curbing misinformation, they need to reconsider how they monetize content, perhaps even halt advertising on sensitive posts entirely.”

Toward a more resilient ecosystem

Industry leaders are calling for a multi-layered approach, one that blends technology with human judgment and contextual awareness.

“Platforms must deploy regionally trained rapid-response teams,” said Gopa Menon, Chief Growth Officer at Successive Digital. “They need to balance speed with accuracy and develop playbooks tailored to crises like the India-Pakistan conflict.”

Some suggest a greater emphasis on verified sourcing and attribution. Marketing professor Ashish Kaul proposes platforms display verification status not only on original posts but also on reposts, using trusted third-party services.

And brand strategist Ambi Parameswaran believes platforms should actively suppress content lacking source attribution, even if that means losing engagement. “Without verified sourcing, posts should not be allowed to go viral,” he said. “It’s the only way to restore credibility.”

A call for reform

With digital information warfare becoming an enduring feature of geopolitical conflict, the current response, legal bans and platform takedowns, risks being more symbolic than strategic.

“The government’s interventions may offer short-term relief,” Chandwani said. “But they’re band-aids on a festering wound. What’s needed is a cyber-misinformation law that balances speech with security and fosters collaboration between government, industry, and civil society.”

Until such reforms take shape, observers warn that digital platforms will remain vulnerable to manipulation, and social media will continue to serve as both battlefield and weapon.

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Big tech's role?: Misinformation outpaced moderation as India-Pak tensions ignited digital crossfire

Microsoft and OpenAI are renegotiating the terms of their multibillion-dollar partnership, according to a report by the Financial Times. The discussions are aimed at enabling OpenAI to pursue a future initial public offering while ensuring Microsoft retains privileged access to the start-up’s most advanced technologies. 

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/we-want-to-build-with-india-for-india-openais-pragya-misra-on-ais-expanding-role-in-storytelling-business-and-innovation-64295.htm">Read more: “We want to build with India, for India”: OpenAI’s Pragya Misra on AI’s expanding role in storytelling, business and innovation</a>

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At the heart of the talks is a question of equity: how much of a stake Microsoft will hold in OpenAI’s for-profit business in return for its more than $13 billion in investments to date. Sources told the Financial Times that Microsoft is willing to reduce its equity share in exchange for guaranteed access to future AI innovations beyond a 2030 agreement horizon.

The negotiations come as both companies revisit the broader framework of their collaboration, which began with Microsoft’s initial $1 billion investment in 2019. The evolving terms reflect how rapidly the AI landscape, and OpenAI’s ambitions, have shifted since then.

The shift in dynamics follows Microsoft’s revised agreement with OpenAI in January, shortly after the tech giant entered a joint venture with Oracle and Japan’s SoftBank Group to develop up to $500 billion in AI-focused data centers across the United States.

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Microsoft and OpenAI rework partnership amid IPO preparations

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has been recruiting former national security and Pentagon officials, part of a broader effort to position itself as a key player in the US federal government’s growing interest in artificial intelligence and virtual reality technologies. According to a report by Forbes, Meta has posted at least six new job openings aimed at bolstering its ties to U.S. defense and intelligence agencies. Among the roles listed are two public policy manager positions, including one focused specifically on the White House. Job postings cited in the report indicate a preference for candidates with active security clearances and prior experience at the Department of Defense.

“Lead our outreach to national security and foreign policy agencies within the Executive Branch of the U.S. government on both policy issues and adoption of our technologies,” reads one of the listings, highlighting Meta’s intent to integrate its technology offerings into the federal sphere.

The hiring campaign comes as Meta, led by Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg, seeks to deepen its government ties and tap into lucrative defense contracts, following in the footsteps of technology rivals such as Google and OpenAI.

In January, the company brought on Francis Brennan, a former advisor to President Donald J. Trump, to oversee communications in Washington, according to Forbes. Meta has also hired at least one former federal official with more than a decade of service at a classified agency, according to LinkedIn data referenced in the report.

The strategic recruitment push follows a notable shift in the company’s posture toward government collaboration. In November 2024, Meta reportedly authorized access to its Llama artificial intelligence models for use by U.S. defense agencies and contractors, including Lockheed Martin, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Palantir Technologies. The move marked a departure from the company’s previously stated policy, which barred the use of its open-source AI models in military or espionage-related applications.

Despite Llama’s open-source framework, Meta appears to have carved out an exemption for American defense interests. In a blog post at the time, Nick Clegg, Meta’s former president of global affairs, framed the decision as a patriotic responsibility.

“As an American company, and one that owes its success in no small part to the entrepreneurial spirit and democratic values the United States upholds, Meta wants to play its part to support the safety, security and economic prosperity of America — and of its closest allies too,” Clegg wrote. Meta also made Llama available to similar government agencies and contractors in the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, as per a Bloomberg report. 

While no formal contracts with the Pentagon or National Security Agency have been publicly announced, Meta’s recent maneuvers suggest a concerted bid to stake out a role in the expanding landscape of government AI procurement — an arena where technological capabilities increasingly intersect with matters of national security.

Meta taps ex-Pentagon officials to pitch VR and AI to the US government

The Indian Premier League is poised to resume as early as May 16 or 17, following a week-long suspension prompted by the recent military tensions between India and Pakistan, according to a PTI report. The announcement of a ceasefire on Saturday has cleared a path for the tournament’s return, though uncertainty remains regarding the venue for the final match, currently slated for Kolkata.

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Discussions over the resumption took place on Sunday, as members of the IPL Governing Council and officials from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) met to draft a revised schedule. BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla said deliberations were still underway, as per the report. 

Quoting BCCI officials the report stated that, as of now, there is no final decision on the IPL, with BCCI officials actively working on solutions. The secretary and the IPL chairman are said to be in talks with franchises and stakeholders. It added, the IPL is likely to recommence with the match between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Lucknow — the fixture originally scheduled for May 9. Matches are likely to be restricted to four venues, with Delhi and Dharamsala not expected to host additional games. 

On May 9, the BCCI decided to suspend the TATA IPL 2025 for one week. The decision was taken by the IPL Governing Council after due consultation with all key stakeholders following the representations from most of the franchisees, who conveyed the concern and sentiments of their players, and also the views of the broadcaster, sponsors and fans. The cricket governing body stated, "while the BCCI reposes full faith in the strength and preparedness of our armed forces, the Board considered it prudent to act in the collective interest of all stakeholders."

It added, "At this critical juncture, the BCCI stands firmly with the nation. We express our solidarity with the Government of India, the Armed Forces and the people of our country. The Board salutes the bravery, courage, and selfless service of our armed forces, whose heroic efforts under Operation Sindoor continue to protect and inspire the nation, as they lead a resolute response to the recent terrorist attack and the unwarranted aggression by Pakistan’s armed forces."

"While cricket remains a national passion, there is nothing greater than the Nation and its sovereignty, integrity, and security of our country. The BCCI remains firmly committed to support all efforts that safeguard India and will always align its decisions in the best interest of the nation."

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IPL eyes mid-May restart following India-Pakistan ceasefire

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri came under a wave of online vitriol from online 'trolls', including personal attacks and the public disclosure of private information, following a recent agreement between India and Pakistan to halt military operations.

The abuse, which erupted on social media platforms over the weekend, targeted not only Misri but also his family members, drawing criticism from civil society groups and online users who denounced the personal nature of the attacks. Misri was labeled a “traitor” and “deshdrohi,” according to media reports, while several posts questioned the citizenship status of his daughters, a move that observers said crossed ethical lines.

Didon Misri, the Foreign Secretary’s daughter who resides in London and is employed by the international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills, was also subjected to online attacks. Critics targeted her for her professional involvement in providing legal assistance to Rohingya refugees. In the wake of the backlash, Misri restricted access to his account on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, which he had maintained prior to his appointment as Foreign Secretary.

The controversy followed the heightened tensions between India and Pakistan after a deadly terrorist attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, in which 26 people — many of them tourists — were killed. India responded with a military operation called 'Operation Sindoor'. Several users on social media urged for respectful discourse, condemning the targeting of Misri’s family and the broader pattern of digital harassment directed at public officials.

Former Foreign Secretary Nirupama Menon Rao took to social media to defend Misri. Rao wrote on X, “It’s utterly shameful to troll Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and his family over the India-Pakistan ceasefire announcement. A dedicated diplomat, Misri has served India with professionalism and resolve, and there is no ground whatsoever for his vilification . Doxxing his daughter and abusing his loved ones crosses every line of decency. This toxic hate must stop—stand united behind our diplomats, not tear them down.” 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Action must be taken against the trolls who’ve doxxed &amp; abused FS <a href="https://twitter.com/VikramMisri?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VikramMisri</a> daughter This sort of abuse has now crossed all limits&mdash; Swati Chaturvedi (@bainjal) <a href="https://twitter.com/bainjal/status/1921486577705820236?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">First they went after Himanshi Narwal, The Wife of the Navy Officer Vinay Narwal. And now the same trolls are going after the Foreign Secretary of India, Vikram Misri and his daughter, Abusing and sharing her mobile number.&mdash; Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) <a href="https://twitter.com/zoo_bear/status/1921483991233753378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, daughters targeted in online attacks

In a significant diplomatic development, India and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire beginning 5 PM on Saturday, May 10, according to Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

Addressing the media at a press briefing, Misri revealed that the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of Pakistan contacted his Indian counterpart at 3 PM today to confirm the agreement. They will talk again on May 12.

The ceasefire announcement comes shortly after US President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social account: "India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire. Congratulations to both countries on using common sense and great intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/lRPhZpugBV">pic.twitter.com/lRPhZpugBV</a>&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1921174163848401313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Over the past 48 hours, <a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a> Vance and I have engaged with senior Indian and Pakistani officials, including Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, and National Security Advisors Ajit…&mdash; Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecRubio/status/1921175185836708140?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


Reinforcing this statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio took to X (formerly Twitter) to say that over the past 48 hours, he and US Vice President JD Vance were in active contact with senior Indian and Pakistani officials. “I am pleased to announce the Governments of India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire and to start talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral site,” Rubio posted.


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India and Pakistan agree to immediate ceasefire

PwC has laid off 1,500 employees in the Unites States—roughly 2% of its workforce—as part of ongoing restructuring effort, according to a report by the Financial Times.

The layoffs, primarily affecting the firm's audit and tax divisions, come less than a year after a previous round of 1,800 job cuts in the US announced in September 2024.

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In a statement to the FT, the company acknowledged the toll of the decision, saying, "This was a difficult decision, and we made it with care, thoughtfulness and a deep awareness of its impact on our people, appreciating that historically low levels of attrition over consecutive years have made it necessary to take this step."

PwC's move follows a broader trend among Big Four firms, many of which have undertaken aggressive workforce reduction in response to slowing demand and overexpansion. In April 2025, Deloitte cut jobs within its US government services division, and on November 2024, KPMG laid off 4% of its American workforce.

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The job cuts in the wake of a hiring surge that followed the COBID-19 pandemic. As per a 2022 Economic Times report, the Big Four firms had targeted hiring as many as 80,000 professionals in India alone that year—signalling a global appetite for talent that now appears to be recalibrating.

Despite posting steady revenue increases, PwC has underperformed relative to competitors. Its global revenue rose to $55.4 billion in 2024, up from $53.9 billion the year before. However, its growth rate of 11.8% lagged behind Deloitte (14.9%) and EY (14.2%), as reported by the Financial Times in 2023.

PwC has also found itself entangled in regulatory scrutiny. The firm faced backlash in Australia over the misuse of confidential government tax documents, a scandal that triggered political outrage and dented its credibility. More recently, Chinese authorities fined PwC and suspended parts of its local operations amid investigations into financial fraud—resulting in client losses and subsequent cost-cutting measures, including headcount reductions and lower partner compensation.

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PwC lays off 1,500 employees in the US amid restructuring and slowing growth

Google has agreed to pay $50 million to settle a class-action lawsuit that accused the tech giant of a systemic racial bias against Black employees, according to a Reuters report.

The preliminary settlement, filed on Thursday evening in federal court in Oakland, California, covers more than 4,000 current and former Black employees of Google based in California and New York. The deal still requires approval from a judge to go into effect, the report added.

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The lawsuit alleged that Google maintained a racially-biased corporate culture, which led to Black employees being routinely placed in lower-level roles, given lower pay, denied promotion opportunities, and subjected to discriminatory performance reviews. The lead plaintiff claimed she was denied promotions and ultimately terminated after six years, shortly after preparing a report on racial bias within the company.

The complaint further stated that Black employees made up only 4.4% of Google's workforce and 3% of its leadership in 2021. 

A notable detail in the suit was the alleged use of terms like "not Googley enough" or lacking "Googleyness" to undermine and exclude Black employees, which the plaintiffs described as racially coded language, the report said.

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Google, a unit of Alphabet Inc, has denied any wrongdoing in the matter. In a statement, the company said it fully complies with all applicable laws and chose to settle to avoid prolonged litigation.

The legal battle, which began in March 2022, followed an investigation by the California Civil Rights Department into Google's treatment of Black female employees. 

Attorneys for the plaintiffs indicated that they may seek up to $12.5 million in legal fees from the settlement. On Monday, they also dropped related claims from Black job applicants, citing Google's cooperation and arguments presented during the process.

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Google to pay $50 million to settle racial bias lawsuit by Black employees

In a significant move impacting air travel across northern and western India, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has announced the temporary closure of 32 airports for all civil flight operations from May 9 until 0529 IST on May 15, 2025.

The step, taken due to "operational reasons," comes amid heightened military readiness in the region following tensions between India and Pakistan.

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The NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued by aviation authorities affects airports in strategically sensitive and high-traffic zones, including Amritsar, Srinagar, Chandigarh, Jammu, Jaisalmer, Bhuj, and Leh, among others. These airports will not handle any civil flight operations during the closure window.

Here is the complete list of affected airports:

Adhampur, Ambala, Amritsar, Awantipur, Bathinda, Bhuj, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Halwara, Hindon, Jaisalmer, Jammu, Jamnagar, Jodhpur, Kandla, Kangra (Gaggal), Keshod, Kishangarh, Kullu Manali (Bhuntar), Leh, Ludhiana, Mundra, Naliya, Pathankot, Patiala, Porbandar, Rajkot (Hirasar), Sarsawa, Shimla, Srinagar, Thoise, and Uttarlai.

Additionally, 25 Air Traffic Service (ATS) route segments across the Delhi and Mumbai Flight Information Regions have also been suspended for civilian use.

The revised NOTAM (G0555/25) restricts these segments from ground level to unlimited altitude until 2359 UTC on May 14 (0529 IST, May 15).

Airlines have been advised to reroute flights and coordinate with ATC units to ensure safety and minimize passenger disruption. International carriers flying over Indian airspace may also face route adjustments and delays.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/special-coverage/tech-firms-shift-to-remote-work-amid-india-pakistan-tensions-65282.htm">Tech firms shift to remote work, curtail non-essential travel amid India-Pakistan tensions</a>

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Delhi Airport issued travel advisory

Meanwhile, Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport has resumed normal operations but issued a passenger advisory amid ongoing security concerns.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Passenger Advisory issued at 09:48 Hours<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiAirport?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiAirport</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PassengerAdvisory?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PassengerAdvisory</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DELAdvisory?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DELAdvisory</a> <a href="https://t.co/BUtrJr5eaH">pic.twitter.com/BUtrJr5eaH</a>&mdash; Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiAirport/status/1921057352440311995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"Delhi Airport operations continue to remain normal. However, due to evolving airspace conditions and enhanced security measures as directed by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, some flight schedules may be impacted and security processing times could be longer," the airport said in its latest update on X (formerly Twitter).

Passengers flying to or from Delhi have been further advised to:

- Stay informed through updates from their respective airlines

- Follow hand baggage and check-in luggage regulations

- Arrive early to allow for potential delays at security checkpoints

- Cooperate with airline and security staff for smooth facilitation

- Check flight status via their airline or the official Delhi Airport website

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and further decisions will depend on evolving regional developments. Passengers are encouraged to remain updated via official airline channels and the Delhi Airport website.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/indo-pak-tensions-soar-airlines-issue-alerts-amid-airport-shutdowns-heightened-security-65153.htm">Indo-Pak tensions: Airlines issue alerts amid airport shutdowns, heightened security</a>

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India temporarily shuts 32 airports amid India-Pakistan tensions

Amid border tensions between India and Pakistan, South Korean electronics company Samsung has cancelled its high-profile Galaxy S25 Edge global launch event, originally scheduled for May 13 in New Delhi, as per a Moneycontrol report.

According to sources cited in the report, the decision was taken in light of growing security concerns.

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Samsung, which had sent out invitations for the global unveiling of its flagship smartphone, has not responded to media queries.

Internally, sources say the company is awaiting guidance from its global headquarters regarding the possibility of rescheduling or switching to a virtual event, the report added.

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"We're internally discussing our options. We're monitoring developments closely," a senior executive at a rival consumer electronics brand said in the report, indicating that the uncertainty may have ripple effects across the tech and electronics industry.

The cancellation also comes as multinational companies operating in India are activating contingency plans. Firms like Ernst & Young (EY) India and Deloitte had asked employees to work from home on May 9, following emergency measures implemented in response to the geopolitical situation. 

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States including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat, West Bengal, and Bihar have ramped up security, ordered school closures, and suspended leaves for law enforcement and administrative staff. Several regions have also experienced temporary blackouts and power cuts as part of their emergency readiness protocols.

While no fresh dates have been confirmed for the Galaxy S25 Edge launch, industry insiders suggest Samsung may pivot to an online format if tensions persist, the report added.

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