WhatsApp fake news fight: This 10-point strategy to win war?
After Indian warned of a crackdown against it, WhatsApp fake news fight has led the Facebook owned messenger app to finally take some action, even if it is mostly on paper. WhatsApp has taken out full page ads in newspapers about how to fight the fake news message that has led to killings in India. WhatsApp has chalked out this 10-point strategy to win the fight against fake news, provocative messages, insinuation and worse. Check out WhatsApp's 10-point strategy.
"Together We Can Fight False Information: Here are some easy tips to help you decide if something sent to you on WhatsApp is true."
WhatsApp Point 1. Understand when a message is forwarded: Starting this week, we’re rolling out a new feature that lets you see which messages have been forwarded. Double check the facts when you’re not sure who wrote the original message.
WhatsApp Point 2. Question information that upsets you: If you read something that makes you angry or afraid, ask whether it was shared to make you feel that way. And if the answer is yes, think twice before sharing it again.
WhatsApp Point 3. Check information that seems unbelievable: Stories that seem hard to believe are often untrue – so check elsewhere to see if they are really true.
WhatsApp Point 4. Look out for message that look different: Many messages containing hoaxes or fake news have spelling mistakes. Look for these signs so you can check if the information is accurate.
WhatsApp Point 5. Check photos in messages carefully: It is easier to believe photos and videos, but even these can be edited to mislead you. Sometimes the photo is real, but the story around it is not. So look online to see where the photo came from.
WhatsApp Point 6. And check links too: It may look like the link to a well-known website but if there are spelling mistakes or unusual characters, it’s usually a sign something’s wrong.
WhatsApp Point 7. Use other sources: Look at other news websites or apps to see if the story is being reported elsewhere. When a story is reported in multiple places, it’s more likely to be true.
WhatsApp Point 8. Be thoughtful about what you share: If you are not sure of the sources or concerned that the information may be untrue, think twice before sharing.
WhatsApp Point 9. You can control what you see: On WhatsApp you can block any number or leave any group you want. Use these features to keep control of your WhatsApp experience.
WhatsApp Point 10. Fake news often goes viral: Do not pay attention to the number of times you receive the message. Just because a message is shared many times, does not make it true.
WhatsApp conluded: "To fight fake news, we all need to work together – technology companies, the government and community groups. If you see something that’s not true, make people aware and help stop the spread."