It seems like WhatsApp’s battle against fake news is getting stronger day by day! Taking forward its pledge to combat the spread of fake news in India, WhatsApp recently held a press conference in New Delhi before elections in the country.
The popular messaging platform throws light at how it uses machine learning to identify fake or malicious WhatsApp accounts by analyzing activities such as bulk messaging, automated behavior, or the creation of several fake accounts.
Because of this, WhatsApp says it bans around two million fake accounts per month, 75% of which do not have any user intervention.
For those who don’t know, WhatsApp currently has over 1.5 billion active users, becoming Facebook’s most popular messaging app.
It is further suggested that political parties in India use WhatsApp for the spread of propaganda, abusive and questionable content, and fake news, thus misusing the messaging platform.
“We have seen some parties attempt to use WhatsApp in ways that it was not intended, and our firm message to them is that using it in that way will result in bans on our service,” said Carl Woog, head of communications for WhatsApp.
To fight against fake news in India, WhatsApp is running educational adverts and campaigns and recently put a limit on Forwarded messages up to 5 chats.
The matter of fake news, specifically in India, is becoming serious as each day passes. A recent survey suggests that India is encountering more fake news than the other countries in the world, which makes it our responsibility as well to put a stop on it.
What are your thoughts? Comment below.
