If you’ve ever sent a message on WhatsApp, you’ve likely seen a message that is ‘Forwarded’ – but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s fake news. Fake news usually uses edited photos and videos to spread itself. Fortunately, WhatsApp is beginning to add a ‘Forwarded’ tag to all messages – though that doesn’t mean the message is completely false.
‘Forwarded’ tag helps identify fake news
Several organisations have launched WhatsApp fact-checking tiplines. The International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) claims to connect users to fact-checkers in 70 countries, and claims to verify information. WhatsApp users can also add a ‘Forwarded’ tag to a message to help them identify the authenticity of the content. Fact-checkers can then check whether or not the message is true or false.
Despite the fact that it has become the most popular platform for political messaging in India, the platform has also come under heavy scrutiny. Misinformation spread on WhatsApp led to widespread mob violence in India. Hence, WhatsApp has been forced to introduce new features to combat fake news. In addition to limiting the number of times a message can be forwarded, WhatsApp now also labels forwarded messages as fake news.
Fact-checking tiplines can be used to check for possible erroneous information shared on WhatsApp. They can verify texts, images, and videos. Moreover, they also offer subscribers with the option to subscribe to their newsletter and read latest fact-checking stories. The app offers users with a choice of eight different languages, including Hindi and English. Using this tipline, users can also read AFP’s newsletter.
WhatsApp chatbot identifies fake news
A new feature on WhatsApp enables users to flag messages containing fake news and report them to the platform. WhatsApp is currently the most popular messaging app in India, and it has partnered with the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) to develop a chatbot to verify messages. Users can submit stories or photos for fact-checking using their WhatsApp account, and the chatbot can then contact fact-checkers in 70 different countries.
This new feature is especially useful for public group messages, which contain a high percentage of content that may be misleading. While fact-checking efforts rely on public groups, tipsline content has a unique feature: it matches WhatsApp messages more closely than publicly-access social media content. Using a tipline, users can forward content to an anonymous number to get it checked. The WhatsApp chatbot then works to identify misleading content and flag it.
To identify hoaxes, users can also check a chatbot on WhatsApp that is powered by a database developed by 74 fact-checkers. IFCN has developed a database of proven fake news from around the world, which it updates daily. This bot can identify a variety of content and provide relevant facts based on its ratings. In addition, users can also look for information about specific topics, such as a COVID-19 outbreak.
IFCN verifies tiplines
There are now six fact-checking groups, mostly from popular media houses, which have launched WhatsApp tiplines. People can use the tiplines to send suspicious news and get responses from fact-checkers. These fact-checking groups have a simple interface and will respond to any information submitted. Unlike some of the other fact-checking groups, the IFCN does not require users to make a payment.
IFCN also has its own whatsapp chatbot that claims to connect users to fact-checking teams across 70 countries. To use the chatbot, users have to save fact-checking tipline numbers into contacts and click on the links. They can also send “Hello” to verify the information. While it might not sound very exciting, most of the fact-checking tiplines are automated, and you’re unlikely to see the result of your work within a few minutes.
Despite the fact that messaging apps are one of the main sources of fake news, WhatsApp has taken measures to prevent such spread. Ten independent fact-checking organizations have been certified by the International Fact-Checking Network to monitor and verify false news. IFCN, an independent non-profit, will help users spot false and misleading messages on WhatsApp. It will also help prevent the spread of misinformation.
