Fake WhatsApp Rules Go Viral, Claiming Govt Can Track Calls And Read Messages (AI-generated) Meta’s WhatsApp has one of the largest user bases in India. With crores of users, WhatsApp has also become a popular platform for spreading misinformation and hoaxes. Now, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) has warned WhatsApp users about a viral message that claims the government has introduced new rules to monitor people’s chats and calls. The message has been circulating online and makes several alarming claims about government surveillance on popular social media and messaging platforms. PIB has addressed the viral message and dismissed its claims. According to the government’s fact-checking unit, the Government of India has not released any guidelines that allow it to monitor WhatsApp calls, messages or activity on social media platforms in the manner described in the viral post. The PIB Fact Check Unit also advised people not to believe or forward such messages without checking their authenticity. Users have been encouraged to verify important claims through official government channels. The message contains a list of 11 so-called rules and presents them as new government guidelines. It warns users against sharing certain political messages and makes claims about arrests, legal action and government monitoring. This post also tells users to alert their family and friends about the supposed rules. One of its more alarming claims suggests that people’s devices could be connected to a government ministry system. Notably, the viral message also tries to make the claim appear more convincing by describing imaginary WhatsApp checkmarks that supposedly show when the government is monitoring a user's messages. It correctly describes the basic WhatsApp delivery system at first: one grey tick indicates that a message has been sent, while two grey ticks indicate delivery. Two blue ticks generally indicate that the recipient has read the message, depending on privacy settings. The message then introduces several fake combinations of blue and red ticks. It claims that three blue ticks would mean the government has taken note of a message. It further claims that two blue ticks and one red tick could indicate possible government action against a user. Another supposed combination, one blue tick and two red ticks and it is claimed to mean that officials are checking a person's information. The message goes even further, claiming that three red ticks would mean legal proceedings have started and that a court summons would follow. These claims about red checkmarks and government monitoring are false. WhatsApp does not have these government surveillance indicators described in the viral message. Messages that claim to reveal secret government rules can quickly create fear and confusion, particularly when they include warnings about arrests or legal action. Before forwarding such a post, users should check whether the information has been published by an official government source or a credible news organisation. If a message asks people to urgently share it with friends and family, that is also a good reason to verify the information before passing it on. Sharing an unverified message can help misinformation spread to more people. Govind Choudhary is the Chief Copy Editor for Tech at Times Now with over five years of experience in the media industry. He covers consumer technolog... View More