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Politics

India lynchings prompt WhatsApp action on false rumors

Messaging app castigated after violence but experts point to deeper problems

WhatsApp and silhouette
In recent months, several people have been killed in mob violence in India after rumors of them being involved in child-kidnapping gangs were spread through WhatsApp.   © Reuters

NEW DELHI -- WhatsApp has responded to government criticism following a spate of lynchings that were allegedly provoked by the spread of false rumors through its service and launched an awareness campaign to help users spot fake information.

The company, which is owned by Facebook, took out a full-page advertisement in several Indian newspapers on Tuesday, providing "easy tips to help you decide if something sent to you on WhatsApp is true."

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