Social Media Platform WhatsApp has launched an India-focused fact-checking feature to combat fake news and rumours starting with the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections.
Curbing Fake News:
- Users can check the authenticity of the information or rumours received on the platform by reporting the forward to the WhatsApp number +91-9643-000-888
- The response will indicate if the information is classified as 'true', 'false', 'misleading', 'disputed' or 'out of scope', and include any other related information.
- Pictures, video links or texts in Hindi, Telugu, Bengali, Malayalam and English will be reviewed by WhatsApp.
- This tip line feature has been developed by WhatsApp in collaboration with India-based media skilling startup PROTO.
- The tip line feature will help to create a database of rumours to study misinformation during elections as part of a research project commissioned and assisted by WhatsApp.
Interesting to know:
- As more data flows in, WhatsApp will be able to identify the most susceptible or affected issues, locations, languages, regions, etc.
- The verification reports Whatsapp sends back will encourage the users to send more signals for analysis.
