WhatsApp Steps to Combat False Information in Pakistan

Circulation of false news and information has become very common on the social media nowadays. In most of the social media messaging Apps, people used to circulate rumors and false information about different things. So, in order to resolve this problem, WhatsApp has stepped in with a major public awareness campaign ‘Together We Can Fight False Information’ to combat fake news. The issue of fake news has emerged as a new challenge for the media and governments across the world. So, it is the responsibility of government to make such laws through which we can combat fake news. This issue has become very common in Pakistan nowadays due to heightened political tension. So all of us should follow the detailed WhatsApp steps to identify fake news.

WhatsApp Steps to identify fake news

Here are 10 easy tips that can help you decide whether something sent to you is true or not:

1. Understand Which Messages have been Forwarded

The first thing you need to check is that which messages have been forwarded. You need to double check the facts when you’re not sure who wrote the original message.

2. Don’t share Information That Upsets You

If you read something that makes you angry or afraid then think twice before sharing it again.

3. Check Information That Seems Unbelievable

WhatsApp cautioned its users to not believe in stories “that seem hard to believe” and to verify them from some other source.

4. Check Messages That Look Different

The users should “look out for messages that look different” and watch out the signs like spelling mistakes in order to determine the accuracy of information circulated.

5. Check Photos in Messages Carefully

Beware of photos and videos which are “edited” to mislead people. Sometimes the photo is real, but the story around it is not. So,  the user should look online to see where the photo came from.

6. Check Links Too

WhatsApp also warned against falling into the trap of links to a well-known website.

7. Use Other Sources

WhatsApp asked its users to check if a news is being reported at multiple places because when a story is reported at multiple places, it’s more likely to be true.

8. Be Thoughtful About What You Share

If you are not sure of the source or concerned that the information may be untrue, think twice before sharing.

9. Control What You See

WhatsApp also reminded its users to make use of the built-in features to block any number or leave any group they want.

10. Fake News Often Goes Viral

The fake news often goes viral and just because a message is shared many times, does not make it true.

Just follow the above steps and get rid of these fake news and rumors as WhatsApp says “Together we can fight false Information”

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