Is Whatsapp Testing Suspicious Link Detection Feature To Curb Spam, Fake News?

As per latest rumors coming in, Whatsapp is testing a new feature to detect suspicious links to spam, and fake news website.

Now, the question arises, how will Whatsapp do it?

And whether any information would be sent to external servers?

Note here, that Whatsapp hasn’t yet officially confirmed this news.

Whatsapp New Salvo Against Fake News!

WAInfoBeta, which tracks Whatsapp updates and new releases, has informed that a new suspicious link detected tool is being tested by Whatsapp.

As per them, this testing is part of beta version 2.18.204 for Android, which will be released soon.

This new feature will not send any information to any external servers, and will check the authenticity of the link shared via their internal database.

How Will it Work?

Whenever any such link is shared which is originating from a spam and fake news website, then a red color warning label will be attached along with the link.

When the Whatsapp user attempts to open this link, then another alert will be shown, informing that the link has originated from a suspicious source.

While forwarding the link to a group or any other user, the alert shall be shown once again.

WAInfoBeta has stressed on the fact that no packet of information shall be sent to any external servers, and the suspicious link activity test shall be performed locally.

But how exactly, this has not been shared.

Whatsapp Under Fire For Spam, Fake News!

This is Whatsapp’s third major attempt to curb spread of fake news via their platform.

Last week, we had reported that Whatsapp is offering upto $50,000 grant to social scientists inorder to discover ways to stop the madness of fake news.

More than 30 people in India have been lynched after they read Whatsapp updates which later proved to be fake.

Besides, Whatsapp is also introducing a label for forwarded messages, so that the reader is more empowered with the knowledge regarding its authenticity.

Indian Govt. has already told Whatsapp that they will need to find ways to stop the spread of fake news, which is claiming innocent lives.

IT Ministry has already informed Whatsapp that it is not a rocket science to stop spread of fake news and some technological solution is feasible, if they want it.

We will keep you updated, as receive more information about Whatsapp’s anti-fake news and anti-spam initiatives.