WHATSAPP RESPONDS TO CENTRE’S WARNING OVER RUMOURS

In response to the government's stern warning regarding the spread of "irresponsible and explosive messages filled with rumours and provocation” on the platform of WhatsApp, the messaging platform has responded that it too was horrified at the terrible acts of violence. WhatsApp reportedly said, "We believe this is a challenge that requires government, civil society and technology companies to work together.”

WhatsApp had written a letter explaining all the measures taken to curb fake messages on the platform. It had explained that the control was given to the users the control and information need to stay safe. Whatsapp also assured that a new project is on the run with leading experts to understand the spread of misinformation in India.

WhatsApp reportedly said, "In addition, we have been testing a new label in India that highlights when a message has been forwarded versus composed by the sender. This could serve as an important signal for recipients to think twice before forwarding messages because it lets a user know if the content they received was written by the person they know or a potential rumour from someone else. We plan to launch this new feature soon.”