Fact Check: Govt is NOT recording WhatsApp voice & video calls; dubs forwarded message as FAKE
Government sources on Sunday dubbed the new communication rules for WhatsApp and calls, which are being widely forwarded, as FAKE.
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FollowA message has been circulating on WhatsApp lately, claiming that voice and video calls made via the platform will be recorded and devices will be connected to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology's system from here on. The WhatsApp forward also warns Group members that any message having 3 Red ticks means that the government has started proceedings against you and you 'will get a court summon soon'.
However, government sources on Sunday dubbed the forwarded message claiming to be 'the new communication rules for WhatsApp and WhatsApp calls (voice and video calls)' as FAKE and no such rules has been released by the popular messaging platform or the government.
Here's what the message claims
According to the fake WhatsApp message, a 11-point new communication rule has been issued and claims voice and video calls will be recorded and saved. It further states that devices using WhatsApp will be connected to the Ministry's system and going forward Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and all social media platforms will be monitored.
The fake WhatsApp message further warns people from sending 'any bad post or video against the government or the Prime Minister regarding politics or the current situation'. The fake message goes on to claim that it is a 'crime' to write or send a bad message on any political or religious issue and doing so could lead to 'arrest without a warrant'.
The fake message claims that any message in a WhatsApp group that has three Blue ticks means the Government has taken note of the message. It further warns Group members that if a message has 1 Blue tick and 2 Red ticks it means the government is checking your information and if a member has 3 Red ticks it means the government has started proceedings against the user and they will get a court summon soon.
What the WhatsApp message claims?
Should you worry?
This message is FAKE and there is nothing to worry about. Neither WhatsApp nor the Indian government have released any such communication rules. Government sources on Sunday categorically dubbed the above mentioned WhatsApp forward as fake to stop the message from circulating further.
