Shambhavi Sharma (Jamnalal Bajaj School of Law, Banasthali Vidyapith, Jaipur) has posted Role of Memes in Spreading Disinformation and Political Propaganda on SSRN. Here is the abstract:
Memes have become powerful tools in shaping political opinion and spreading information in the digital era. This paper examines how memes, originally intended for humour, are now utilised to shape public perception and influence political narratives in India. It examines their dual role-as instruments of political engagement and as vehicles for disinformation. Through case studies like the ‘Pappu’ meme targeting Rahul Gandhi and the ‘Main Bhi Chowkidar’ campaign by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the paper highlights how memes can both democratize discourse and distort truth. Ultimately, it argues that while memes encourage participation, they also challenge the integrity of democratic communication online. The paper concludes with a discussion of the legal aspects related to regulation, responsibility, and rights.