WhatsApp Geared Up To Combat Fake News Ahead of Elections 2019

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.

The messaging platform said that its Indian users, numbering more than 200 million, can now report uncertain information or rumours they have received to a WhatsApp number (+91-9643-000-888) and check its authenticity.

“The challenge of viral misinformation requires more collaborative efforts and cannot be solved by any one organization alone. This combined effort by WhatsApp and industry organizations will help contribute to the safety of the elections, by giving people means to know if the information is verified and deter people from sharing rumours that have no basis in fact," WhatsApp said.

In a separate move, WhatsApp has also announced that it is introducing a new privacy setting to help users decide who can add them to groups.

The Indian government had been asking WhatsApp to ensure user consent before being added to WhatsApp groups.

The person inviting users to a group will be prompted to send a private invite through an individual chat, giving them the choice of joining the group.

Users will have three days to accept the invite before it expires.

"With these new features, users will have more control over the group messages they receive," WhatsApp said.

With these new features, users will have more control over the group messages they receive, WhatsApp said.