WhatsApp has introduced a feature allowing users to check the contents of viral messages in the latest move to root out disinformation and fake news being spread on the Facebook-owned service. The feature, which is being piloted in six countries including the UK from Tuesday, allows users to perform a Google search on content they have been forwarded to factcheck claims and information.
Information Security Buzz (aka ISBuzz News) is an independent resource that provides the experts comments, analysis and opinion on the latest Information Security news and topics
This is an extremely encouraging development for a company mired by accusations that they have facilitated fake news in developing economies. WhatsApp has an estimated 1.5 billion monthly users, and in developing democracies such as India where WhatsApp counts 200m user base, it has become a substitute of town-square talk. Users in India would have their ‘family’ and ‘friends’ chat groups, but often also use third-party apps to find and join WhatsApp groups aligned with their political views. For a feature such as this to be introduced is a big blow to those who would seek to subvert democracy by peddling disinformation.