WhatsApp alert: How to stop fake news and rumours from spreading

WhatsApp has issued an advisory to its users in India in a bid to stop the spread of fake news and rumours. The advisory has been published in public domain such as newspapers and other media to make people aware about how to identify fake news and rumours. WhatsApp conducted street dramas to portray the danger caused due to fake news and rumours in Jaipur a month earlier. These all efforts are in the battle against fake news and rumours to make WhatsApp a safe place. The step aims to stop fake news and rumours from spreading on WhatsApp. The notification cited three steps:-

1. Identify those information which can be false.

Find out the possible indications that determine whether the information you are having is true or false. As for example, those forwarded messages which do not have any source and proof and provokes you clearly indicates that these may be fake news or rumours. Photos, videos and even voice recordings can be edited to mislead you.

2. Investigate it through other sources too.

To evaluate the truth, do a quick online search and cross check with other reliable news websites in order to find out where did the story come from. If you're still not sure, visit any truth finder websites, trustworthy persons or community leaders to get more information.

Watch this Zee Business video here:

3. Prevent the rumours to be spread.

If you feel like something is fake then tell people not to share the message until they check it with other sources. Do not share any message only because, it says to do so even though he is your friend.