WhatsApp is often used to spread fake news and misinformation. Although the instant messaging app claims to implement a list of features to prevent the circulation of fake news, WhatsApp users receive misleading messages containing unverified information on a regular basis. As such, it is important to know how you can verify the information you receive on WhatsApp. This is also relevant, especially today when the state legislature elections are taking place and Ukraine is facing a deadly crisis due to the Russian invasion.
The 10 fact-checking organizations have their own tip lines available on WhatsApp so that users can verify the information they receive. These tiplines are verified by the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) and can be used to verify potentially misleading content, including images, videos, and voice recordings. Most of them support English and up to 11 other languages, including Bengali, Hindi, Marathi, and Punjabi, among others.
Also, IFCN has its own dedicated WhatsApp chat boot that helps users verify their information. It claims to connect consumers with free fact-checkers in more than 70 countries around the world.
How to use fact-checking tiplines on WhatsApp
Users need to save the number of fact-checking suggestions in their contacts or click on their links and then verify their information by sending them "hi" on WhatsApp. Most of the suggestions from the fact-checklist provide access to the latest fact-checked content as they reach the messaging app. It is important to note that since tiplines are primarily chatted bots, they take some time to verify the information you have fed.
What do different fact-checking tiplines offer on WhatsApp?
The main purpose of the fact-checking tips on WhatsApp is to help users verify potentially misleading information they have received in the form of photos and videos, as well as voice and text messages. Below are details on how they work and how they can help verify information on the messaging app.
a) AFP
The AFP Fact Check Tipline is designed to verify the authenticity of text messages, videos, and photos. It supports both English and Urdu / Hindi and can be used to subscribe to the AFP newsletter and read fact-checks on the Ukraine conflict.
b) Boom
Like AFP, Boom Fact Check Tipline supports English and Urdu / Hindi languages. It also works with Bengali. Users are given the option to verify the images, videos, audio, and text they have. It also provides access to subscriptions to the Boom Newsletter and to read the latest fact-checking stories from Boom Live.
c) Fact Crescendo
Unlike AFP and Boom, Fact Crescendo supports a total of nine languages, including Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Marathi, Oriya, and Tamil. It also allows users to share their information in the form of text, photos, and videos. In addition to verifying information from users, Tipline provides access to its fact-checking content and the latest updates on the spread of COVID-19.
d) Factly
FactFact Check allows users to submit their application for fact-checking of articles, videos, and other content. Users can also subscribe to Factly's newsletter for a daily dose of fact-checking content or get the latest fact-checking from the website. However, it does not support local languages and can only work in English.
e) India Today
As a matter of fact, India Today Group Fact Check allows users to submit their information as a message, photo, or video. It also provides the latest updates on the Russia-Ukraine war, UP elections, and allows users to subscribe to the India Today Fact Check newsletter. India Today's Topline supports Hindi in addition to English.
f) Newschecker
News Checker works with a list of nine languages in total, including English, Gujarati, Hindi, Marathi, Punjabi, and Urdu. It allows users to share their suspicious messages, photos, and videos as well as subscribe to the website's daily newsletters.
g) Newsmobile
Like other fact-checking tips, Newsmobile allows users to check the facts and check the latest facts. It also provides tips for fighting misinformation.
h) Quint WebQoof
Quint's WebQoof works just like other tiplines, and it supports both English and Hindi. This allows users to subscribe to the WebQoof newsletter.
i) The Healthy Indian Project
Unlike other fact-checking suggestions, The Healthy Indian Project is specifically for health information and fact-finding. It provides access to daily subscriptions to health updates.
j) Vishvas News
The Vishwas News Fact Check Tipline is designed to keep users informed of the latest facts and provide access to confirm suspicious messages, photos, and videos. It works in English and Hindi and provides access to the Vishwas News Newsletter.
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