At Connect Bareilly Zone – Influencers Meetup 2026, ASP Shivam Ashutosh, IPS (Bareilly) delivered a session that went straight to one of the biggest challenges of our digital age — how influencers can become powerful allies in the fight against misinformation.
A 2023-batch IPS officer from Gautam Buddh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, ASP Shivam Ashutosh holds an academic background in Sociology. Known for his clear and relatable communication style, he made complex concepts around information disorders easy to understand for the creators.
This session was part of the broader vision of ADG Bareilly Zone Ramit Sharma to equip digital creators with the tools and mindset to become responsible partners in maintaining a healthy information ecosystem.
ASP Shivam Ashutosh also spoke about the pioneering initiatives introduced under the leadership of then DIG Ramit Sharma (now ADG Bareilly Zone) in Meerut Range — the Digital Volunteer Initiative launched in 2015, the establishment of the Social Media Command and Research Centre (SMCRC), and the Twitter debut of Meerut Range Police. These initiatives have since grown into a strong network of citizen partners who help counter misinformation, spread verified information, and promote digital hygiene across the state.
Speaking to over 100 influencers from nine districts, ASP Shivam Ashutosh explained how false information spreads much faster than verified news and how trusted digital creators can play a vital role in protecting their communities from the spread of false narratives.
Key Highlights from the Session:
Understanding Information Disorders He introduced the MDM framework — Misinformation (false information shared without harmful intent), Disinformation (deliberately false and harmful content), and Malinformation (true information shared with the intent to harm).
Why Influencers Are Effective Allies in Fighting Misinformation ASP Shivam Ashutosh highlighted that influencers have a unique “parasocial bond” with their followers — a one-sided relationship where audiences feel a personal connection with the creator, even though the interaction is not mutual. Because they are seen as relatable peers rather than distant authorities, their fact-checks and corrective messages are often more readily accepted.
Practical Strategies for Creators He outlined key intervention strategies including fact-check labelling, debunking campaigns, community nudging (encouraging followers to verify before sharing), and creating recurring content series on media literacy skills such as reverse image search and source verification.
Challenges & Ethical Responsibility The session also candidly discussed the real-world challenges influencers face — the expertise gap, profit-driven algorithms that reward controversy over truth, and the risk of harassment when countering misinformation.
Speaking to NDD, Syed Amir Mian, a social media influencer from Rampur, said, "ASP Shivam Ashutosh Sir’s session on 'Countering Misinformation' was extremely insightful and practical. He explained the concepts of misinformation, disinformation and malinformation very clearly and showed us how we as influencers can become effective allies against it. I had also seen the excellent Information Disorder awareness campaign recently run by ADG Bareilly Zone on their social media handles, and today’s session gave me even better understanding of how we can actively contribute as responsible digital creators."
ADG Ramit Sharma appreciated the session and said, “ASP Shivam Ashutosh has done an excellent job today in highlighting the strategic role of influencers in countering misinformation. His practical insights will help creators become responsible gatekeepers of truth in their communities.”
ASP Shivam Ashutosh left the creators with a powerful takeaway — in the battle against misinformation, every influencer is no longer just a content creator, but a guardian of truth in their community.
National Digital Dispatch, as the Official Media Partner of Connect Bareilly Zone 2026, will continue to bring you exclusive session highlights, live updates, and deeper insights throughout the day. Stay tuned.
