Rumours of child-lifters: Centre warns Whatsapp over spread of messages triggering violence

The Whatsapp management has been instructed to take remedial measures to immediately contain the proliferation of the fake messages on the platform.

The senior management of the WhatsApp has been informed of the incidents and ruckus created by such circulated messages. (PTI)

New Delhi: In the wake of 29 deaths due to the circulation of false information and fake videos about "child-lifters" in various parts of the country, the Centre has issued a warning to the instant messaging app 'Whatsapp'. In an official note from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, it is mentioned that the abuse of platform like WhatsApp for repeated circulation of such provocative content is of deep concern to the Government of India. The Whatsapp management has been instructed to take remedial measures to immediately contain the proliferation of the fake messages on the platform. Taking a note of the incidents of violence as well as the circulation of provocative rumours being spread on the platforms, the ministry has said that Whatsapp cannot evade accountability and responsibility. Also Watch: The ministry pointed out that the platform stands answerable for the incidents especially when good technological inventions are abused by some miscreants who resort to provocative messages which lead to spread of violence in the country. Meanwhile, the senior management of the WhatsApp has been informed of the incidents and ruckus created by such circulated messages. The government is also planning to take the help of other social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to check the circulation of false information. Representatives of the social media platforms will be called for a meeting to be convened by the Home Ministry. (With inputs from agencies)