JOIN USIt is a matter of grave concern that people are using WhatsApp and other social media platforms to spread false news and rumours. While many forward such messages in ignorance, there are several in this chain of disinformation who are doing this with malicious intentions. This is reprehensible as it is creating panic among the public, even inciting violence on many occasions. Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana witnessed disturbing incidents in this regard in recent weeks. A message about a gang of child-lifters being on the prowl in these states went viral on WhatsApp. Alongside text that described supposed incidents of kidnapping in nearby villages were morphed pictures and videos. Without pausing to confirm from the authorities if these messages were true, people panicked and began patrolling their streets. The vigilantism resulted in mobs beating up and killing unfamiliar outsiders, those who looked or behaved ‘different’.
Some messages may not trigger violence but are distasteful and distressing nonetheless. False news about the ‘death’ of Saalumarada Thimmakka, the 100-yar-old who made planting and nurturing hundreds of trees her life’s mission, went viral recently. Did the cab driver, who was found to have sent out the message, stop to think about the impact of his sending the insensitive message? WhatsApp has made communications easier. It has immense use, especially to alert people ahead of a natural disaster or educate the public on social or health issues. However, miscreants are using it to spread false news, mislead people and incite hate and violence. As India moves closer to general elections, fake news forwards on Whatsapp can be expected to rise. It may be recalled that in the run-up to the Karnataka elections, videos of a reported attack on a Hindu woman by a Muslim mob were being circulated on social media platforms. The video turned out to be of a mob attack in Guatemala. People must guard against such attempts to polarise society.
WhatsApp messages are private and encrypted. The company reportedly does not read content unless it is reported by a user as offensive. Whatsapp users should remain vigilant and report instances of fake news. It is important, too, that the company and other media educate the public on how to identify fake forwards, hoaxes and morphed photographs. People need to think about the content they receive and its implications, and check facts before they forward a message. We cannot escape responsibility for what we forward. Those generating fake news and rumours deserve strong punishment.