WhatsApp is one of the widely used messaging apps in India, and misinformation spreads like wildfire on it. To tackle fake news, the Facebook-owned company also recently imposed a new limit on forwarding messages. Due to the ongoing nationwide coronavirus lockdown, people are now using WhatsApp more than ever. It seems that someone is using this opportunity to spread misinformation. Also Read - Worried about WhatsApp sharing your data? You're already sharing a lot with its parent Facebook
A message is being shared on social networks claiming that WhatsApp has introduced a new system. The message suggests that the government is screening users’ chats and they will now get to know when their messages are landing them in trouble. Do note that this is a completely fake story. PIBFactCheck is warning users on Twitter regarding this fake message. Also Read - Happy Republic Day 2021: How to send Republic Day 2021 wishes Stickers on WhatsApp
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Now, you might be wondering what is the role of the Red ticks in this. In case you are unaware, when WhatsApp shows a grey tick, it means the message has been sent to another person. If you witness two grey ticks, it means the is delivered, and two blue ticks mean the message has been read. Now, a fake message is circulating online claiming that from now on, three blue ticks will mean that the “government has taken note of your message.” Also Read - WhatsApp not mandatory to download, users can choose to opt out: Delhi HC on new policy
If there are two Blue and one Red tick, it will mean the “government is taking action against you.” The message also claims one Blue and two Red ticks mean the government is “screening your data.” It says three red ticks mean the “government has initiated action against you and you will receive court summons.” Please note that this WhatsApp Red tick message is completely false.
Besides, WhatsApp has announced that it would place new limits on the number of forwarded messages. The company says messages identified as “highly forwarded” can only be forwarded to a single person. This number is identified by seeing whether a message has been sent through a chain of five or more people.
