SUMMARY
Users can forward offensive messages to an automated WhatsApp account
Reported messages will be classified as true, false, misleading or disputed
The service was started on Tuesday (April 2)
With Lok Sabha elections just around the corner, WhatsApp has introduced a telephonic tip line for its users to report misleading content and fake news.
The initiative is the first time, the Facebook-owned company has created a system in which users can forward offensive messages to an automated account. According to reports WhatsApp is working with a startup called Proto to classify messages sent to the service by users as true, false, misleading or disputed. They will also build a database of such content to better understand misinformation.
Once a WhatsApp user shares a suspicious message with the tipline, Proto’s will seek to respond and inform the user if the claim made in the message is verified or not.
The service will be started on Tuesday (April 2) and WhatsApp’s Indian users can submit misinformation or rumours they receive to the Checkpoint Tipline (+91-9643-000-888). Proto’s verification centre is can review pictures, videos and text in English, Hindi, Telugu, Bengali and Malayalam.
Facebook Races To Stay Ahead Of False News
The WhatsApp tipline is one Facebook’s many measures to cut down on the rapid growth and spread of false and misleading news ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections.
The social networking site had earlier launched two India-specific tools — “Candidate Connect” and “Share You Voted” — to boost civic engagement on its platform.
While “Candidate Connect” will help people learn more about candidates through short videos, the “Share You Voted” will provide people with polling information and enable them to announce and celebrate their vote, the company had said in a statement.
Meanwhile social media platforms active in the country have come together along with the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and agreed to a voluntary Code of Ethics for the General Election 2019 to Chief Election Commissionin March.
The companies have agreed to create a high priority dedicated reporting mechanism for the Election Commission of India and appoint dedicated teams during the period of General Elections for taking expeditious action on any reported violations.
They have also agreed to provide a mechanism for political advetisers to submit pre-certified advertisements issued by Media Certification and Monitoring Committee. The Code of Ethics also promises to facilitate transparency in paid political advertisements.
The social media platforms and Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) submitted the “Voluntary Code of Ethics for the General Election 2019” to Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora and Election Commissioners Ashok Lavasa and Sushil Chandra on Wednesday evening (March 20).
The companies have agreed to create a high priority dedicated reporting mechanism for the Election Commission of India and appoint dedicated teams during the period of General Elections for taking expeditious action on any reported violations.
They have also agreed to provide a mechanism for political advertisers to submit pre-certified advertisements issued by Media Certification and Monitoring Committee. The Code of Ethics also promises to facilitate transparency in paid political advertisements.
