Whatsapp updates government about steps taken to curb fake news following mob lynching incidents
WhatsApp COO met IT Secretary Ajay Prakash Sawhney and other Indian government officials on Tuesday to outline steps it has initiated to combat circulation of harmful messages
Following the recent mob lynching incidents due to fake messages on WhatsApp, some top executives of the personal chat platform, including COO Matthew Idema met IT Secretary Ajay Prakash Sawhney and other Indian government officials on Tuesday to outline steps the company has initiated to combat circulation of such harmful messages, say media reports.
Law and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had earlier told WhatsApp that it can't evade accountability and responsibility. "When rumours and fake news get propagated by mischief mongers, the medium used for such propagation cannot evade responsibility and accountability," said a statement by the IT Ministry.
To combat the spread of fake news, WhatsApp had even launched new safety features but it was already under the scanner with being handed over two notices from the Indian government, asking it to come out with solutions to curb the menace of fake news beyond just specifying forwarded messages. It was also warned of facing legal consequences if they remain mute spectators.
WhatsApp is now taking safety measures by cultivating a digital literacy programme enabling users to spot false news. According to reports, its officials have also engaged with the Election Commission (EC) and assured them that it will take various steps ahead of polls to prevent the misuse of its platform, and bring to India its fake news verification model 'Verificado' that has been used in other markets.
To combat the spread of fake news, WhatsApp had even launched new safety features but it was already under the scanner with being handed over two notices from the Indian government, asking it to come out with solutions to curb the menace of fake news beyond just specifying forwarded messages. It was also warned of facing legal consequences if they remain mute spectators.
WhatsApp is now taking safety measures by cultivating a digital literacy programme enabling users to spot false news. According to reports, its officials have also engaged with the Election Commission (EC) and assured them that it will take various steps ahead of polls to prevent the misuse of its platform, and bring to India its fake news verification model 'Verificado' that has been used in other markets.
