What should a government do when fake online messages and rumours incite mobs to lynch people? On 4 July, the government responded by conveying its “deep disapproval” to WhatsApp and urged it to “take accountability and responsibility” for the spread of “fake and provocative messages” through its platform.
While WhatsApp issued a response, saying “we don’t want our services used to spread harmful misinformation..”, it added that, “WhatsApp cares deeply about people’s safety and their ability to freely communicate”. It’s this part that makes the government’s resolve to pressure WhatsApp, which has 200 million monthly active users in the country, into submission. It’s a double-edged sword, and is easier said than implemented.
https://www.livemint.com/Technology/nEFogjxTz2x5rkvGJVrnVL/How-the-govt-can-deal-with-fake-news-on-WhatsApp.html