Strain Between India And Pak: Avoid Fake News Getting Wired Through WhatsApp

Antisocial elements often use social media platforms like WhatsApp to spread fake news and disinformation. The ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan too are seeing people on both sides use the instant messaging platform to run fake campaigns. Facebook-owned WhatsApp has been making an attempt to create awareness about the issue of fake news and has taken several steps to combat it.

Here are some tips to help you know if a message shared on WhatsApp is real or fake:

1. Always question any WhatsApp message that angers or annoys you

WhatsApp advises users to always question any message and information that upsets them. 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, reads the tip.

2. Look for the Forwarded label on the message that you receive on WhatsApp

WhatsApp has rolled out a new feature that allows users to know if a message is forwarded. All forward messages on WhatsApp now come with a clear label Forwarded.

3.Double check the information that seems unbelievable

We often receive stories via WhatsApp that seem hard to believe. It's always best to check them rather than believing in them blindly. Chances of them actually being untrue are quite high.

4. Check photos/videos in messages carefully

Just like text messages, always check photos and videos too carefully. As these too can be easily edited/photoshopped to mislead readers. Sometimes the photo is real, but the story around it is not. So look online to see where the photo came from, says WhatsApp in the tips shared.

5. Closely verify the links shared in WhatsApp messages

Never fall for links shared in WhatsApp messages. Though many times they appear to be from well-known websites, they actually may not be. Here too bad grammar is a sign to know that somethings not right.

6. Use other sources and official statements to crosscheck

Before taking action or believing any story shared on WhatsApp, always check other news websites or apps. If the story has appeared in multiple places, it's more likely to be true.

7. Use other sources to crosscheck

Before taking action or believing any story shared on WhatsApp, always check other news websites or apps. If the story has appeared in multiple places, it's more likely to be true.

Source: HOB

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