Double check facts of forwarded messages: WhatsApp cautions users
Facing flak over the circulation of fake news on its platform, WhatsApp said it is rolling out educational videos in India asking users to "double check" facts before sharing forwarded messages. The videos, in Hindi and English, will be available on Facebook, the parent company of WhatsApp, as the messaging platform looks to combat spread of rumors that have incited lynching cases in India.
Statement from the messaging platform
"WhatsApp is expanding its education campaign on how to spot fake news. This week, WhatsApp is publishing a video explaining the importance of the 'forward' label and calls users to double check the facts when they're not sure who created the original message," WhatsApp said.
WhatsApp will be held abettor if measures not taken: Notice
Following multiple incidents of mob lynching across the country, the government had slapped WhatsApp with two notices, with the second one warning that it will treat the messaging platform as the abettor of rumor propagation and legal consequences will follow if adequate checks are not put in place. In its response, WhatsApp had outlined initiatives it is taking to curb fake news circulation.
Now forwarded messages could be sent to only 5 people
Recently, WhatsApp has introduced the forward label and also limited the forwarding of messages to 5 people at one go. The messaging platform has also stated that it is building an India-based team. Government officials, however, have categorically said they are not satisfied with WhatsApp's response, particularly as its key demands of "traceability" and attribution of messages remain unaddressed.
