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Whatsapp is also used extensively to share misinformation and hateful content, fueling mob violence and hate, especially targetting the minorities across the co

Whatsapp is also used extensively to share misinformation and hateful content, fueling mob violence and hate, especially targetting the minorities across the country. https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2018/09/whatsapp/571276/ https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2018/09/whats... besides that, the ruling party actively uses whatsapp for political reasons, with it's infamous "It Cell" known for manufacturing fake news. https://theprint.in/politics/9500-it-cell-heads-72000-whatsapp-groups-how-bjp-is-preparing-for-bihar-poll-battle/451740/ https://theprint.in/politics/9500-it-cell-heads-72000-whatsa... So much so, that the current Home Minsiter of India, Amit Shah was seen in public bragging about the power of the IT Cell to "We can keep making messages go viral, whether they are real or fake, sweet or sour" https://www.thequint.com/news/politics/amit-shah-real-fake-can-make-messages-viral https://www.thequint.com/news/politics/amit-shah-real-fake-c...

envy2 6y ago
So, I completely understand the concerns about moderation on Facebook itself. But what would you actually have anyone do about WhatsApp? It's an end-to-end encrypted messaging app, and the whole purpose of end-to-end encryption (which, last I checked, HN was generally in favour of) is that there is no way to surveil or moderate the content of someone's communications.
- ashleshbiradar 6y ago
  The intent behind talking about WhatsApp wasn't in terms of moderation, but just WhatsApp-a Facebook product, used as a tool used to spread hate/misinformation for political gains. edit: and how Whatsapp in general has fractured the information-media ecosystem, sending shock-waves across the democracy.
- gruez 6y ago
  >It's an end-to-end encrypted messaging app, and the whole purpose of end-to-end encryption (which, last I checked, HN was generally in favour of) is that there is no way to surveil or moderate the content of someone's communications. AFAIK group chats aren't e2e, and that's where most of the misinformation is shared.
  - captn3m0 6y ago
    Group chats are E2E in Whatsapp. You’re thinking of Telegram.
- deleted 6y ago
  [deleted]

envy2 6y ago

So, I completely understand the concerns about moderation on Facebook itself. But what would you actually have anyone do about WhatsApp? It's an end-to-end encrypted messaging app, and the whole purpose of end-to-end encryption (which, last I checked, HN was generally in favour of) is that there is no way to surveil or moderate the content of someone's communications.

ashleshbiradar 6y ago
The intent behind talking about WhatsApp wasn't in terms of moderation, but just WhatsApp-a Facebook product, used as a tool used to spread hate/misinformation for political gains. edit: and how Whatsapp in general has fractured the information-media ecosystem, sending shock-waves across the democracy.
gruez 6y ago
>It's an end-to-end encrypted messaging app, and the whole purpose of end-to-end encryption (which, last I checked, HN was generally in favour of) is that there is no way to surveil or moderate the content of someone's communications. AFAIK group chats aren't e2e, and that's where most of the misinformation is shared.
- captn3m0 6y ago
  Group chats are E2E in Whatsapp. You’re thinking of Telegram.
deleted 6y ago
[deleted]