IMPORTANT: WhatsApp acts to tackle fake-news amid Covid; places limits on forwards

WhatsApp is proactively issuing a clampdown that will allow users to share frequently forwarded messages to only one chat at a time, in a bid to curb the spread of misinformation and fake news through its platform amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the Facebook-owned chat app has been battling the menace of the spread of fake news through its platform, the introduction of the new feature comes at a time when WhatsApp is being actively used by people to stay connected amid lockdowns globally.

Speaking to Republic TV, MoS Electronics and IT Sanjay Dhotre said, "On their own, they are taking this initiative. We should observe some precautions."

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The latest move from WhatsApp comes at a time when countries across the world are initiating new measures to tackle the spread of rumours and fake news on social media platforms.

WhatsApp earlier let users send frequently forwarded messages to a maximum of five chats. This led to a 25% decrease in people sending forwarded messages on the platform, WhatsApp said.

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WhatsApp also launched its coronavirus information hub, and donated $1 million for fact-checking services. It has also partnered with the Indian government and state governments to launch Covid-19 WhatsApp chatbots.

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SC on fake news

Earlier, Chief Justice of India SA Bobde also told the Centre that something had to be done to prevent the spread of misinformation through the media. CJI Bobde asked the government why criminal action was not being taken against those spreading fake news on the COVID-19 virus. “Are there any provisions under which the government can take action and punish people spreading fake news on the crisis?” CJI asked the Solicitor General.

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(with PTI inputs)