WhatsApp, a very convenient messaging tool is, unfortunately, being misused, to an extent that it has been taking lives. False news and messages spreading over the platform have resulted in lynching cases in different states. The regulation on the application thus comes into play. Recently the Maharashtra cyber cell also came up with preventive measures by releasing helpline numbers.  Now the company itself is working on a process to curb fake messages. Before the feature actually rolls out, they have started with ad campaigns with tips to counter false information. These advertisements are published in newspapers and give out 10 tips to decide whether the information passed on to you is true or false. Fake WhatsApp Message Kills More! Five Lynched in Maharashtra's Dhule on Child-Lifting Rumour, Watch Horrific Video.

The advertisement tells the users how to question the information from all angles that have been forwarded on the messaging service. They have given 10 points with a basic explanation for each one of them. The main essence is to recheck the facts and source of the messages. Another point they make is to be careful about the messages that do look different. Many times, the hoax messages, ones with offers and discounts have spelling mistakes which can be spotted if looked closely. "To fight fake news, we all need to work together — technology companies, the government and community groups. If you see something that’s not true, make people aware and help stop the spread," the ad reads.

Take a look at the WhatsApp ad that has been published in the newspapers:

Meanwhile, the application is working on an update that will make it easier to filter out the fake messages. The development could help the user identify malicious links, spams and other such sites. The company is also seeking help from the Indian government to fight the fake news trouble. In the most recent update of the application, it gives a control to the group admin to decide who can send messages. In the sense, only a group admin can make a setting that only he/she or the other group admins can send a message to the group. But this too is not a guaranteed measure to stop fake news.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 10, 2018 01:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).