Summary
The favourite Facebook-owned platform is being used to market propaganda and sway the voter's favour, according to a new report. Over 87,000 groups are currently active on the platform with the purpose of spreading fake news. The abundant availability of data implies the worrisome nature of the spread of fake news across the country. Although Whatsapp has launched a series of initiatives to curb the spread of fake news, the onus ultimately will lie at the discretion of the user.
Highlights:
- Over 87,000 WhatsApp groups spreading false propaganda through fake news. According to Hong Kong based Counterpoint Research, India has nearly 30 crore active Whatsapp users.
- Whatsapp has taken several measures to curb the spread of fake news like adhering to its 'Code of Ethics'. It has also signed with Nasscom Foundation to train nearly 1,00,000 Indians to spot false information.
- WhatsApp India head Abhijit Bose said, “We’re pleased that the recent changes we’ve made to limit viral content and educate users is having an impact. This work is never done — there is more that we can and will do.”