- WhatsApp is a free mobile application that’s available on Android, iOS and the web.
- From end-to-end encrypted and forward limits, WhatsApp has introduced some new security features.
- Here’s how you can spot a fake message and news on WhatsApp.
WhatsApp is one of the most used instant messaging apps across the globe. It has to deal with the number of conversations, messages, voice, and video calls daily. One issue that has been troubling WhatsApp is fake news or message.
For WhatsApp, fake messages have become quite a dilemma. Amid the pandemic, the spread of fake news or misinformation has spiked, and it has let WhatsApp brings features and updates to prevent the spread of fake news. However, from time to time, WhatsApp has rolled out different features to stop the spread of fake news, such as a limit on frequently forwarded messages.
The greater responsibility in stopping the spread of fake messages is with the users. Everyone needs to know that not all messages shared or forwarded on the app can be authentic.
Below, we have listed down different ways how you can spot fake WhatsApp messages and news.
Understand forwarded message labels
The ‘Forwarded’ label on messages helps you determine if your family or friend wrote the message or if it originally came from someone else. A ‘double arrow icon’ and ‘forwarded many times’ label will be displayed when a message is forwarded through live chats.
If you are unsure who the original sender of the message is, it’s better not to forward it or double-check the facts before forwarding it.
Check media and photos
Edited photos and videos can be used to mislead or spread fake messages. If you received sensitive media or images, cross-check them with trusted sources to see if the story has been reported elsewhere.
It’s better to review the facts if the news seems hard to believe.
Carefully look out for messages that look different
Several website links or messages you receive could be hoaxes or fake news. Look for spelling mistakes or bad grammar to identify fake news or messages.
Verify information before forwarding
We have been telling, again and again, to verify the information before forwarding it. Make sure you verify message that has sensitive information by searching facts online. If you are still unsure if a message is valid, cross-check it with trusted news sites.
Use group privacy settings
To ensure privacy and prevent unknown people from adding you to unwanted groups, you can use the ‘Group Privacy’ settings. It gives you control over who can add you to groups.
Report
When you receive a message from an unknown number for the first time over WhatsApp, it shows you the option to report the number directly inside the chat. Also, you can report a group by following these steps-
Open chat and then tap on a group name you want to report. Tap on it, scroll down to the bottom, and tap on ‘Report group.’
