Ever since WhatsApp implemented new changes to forwarding messages back in early April, it has been reported that there has been a huge effect globally. According to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)'s report, forwarded messages (which is usually made up of fake news and speculations) have been reduced to 70%!
The update which saw forwarding messages limited to just 5 per contact, a WhatsApp representative seems to be quite happy with the result as it has helped the social platform to be a place for personal and private conversations. To further minimize spreading fake news, the company is also collaborating with the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) and a list of official numbers to help verify fake news. To this date, WhatsApp have taken down 2 million accounts and counting for conducting suspicious behaviour.
While the result is satisfactory, the battle against fake news is still on-going as nuisances can still find ways to spread unofficial news. For example, there was a piece of fake news that the World Health Organization will extend the lockdown until June. Really not cool, yo.
We also have a role to play in educating ourselves separating fiction from facts, so always do some fact-check before sharing with your friends and family. Stay tuned for more tech news at TechNave.com.
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