This new WhatsApp feature will alert you of ‘dangerous’ messages
With criminals and anti-social elements increasingly using WhatsApp to share fake through group chats, the company is planning to add in new features to check this misuse of its instant messaging app. The Facebook-owned chat platform is reportedly testing a new feature that will alert users of fake news that is forwarded in groups. Going forward, WhatsApp will automatically check the authenticity of the website links that are being shared through its upcoming ‘Suspicious Link’ feature.
How will the ‘Suspicious Link’ feature help you?
Once this feature is rolled-out, the moment you receive a link to a website on WhatsApp, the app will do a background check of the link to the website and will alert you if it finds something fishy. “When WhatsApp detects a suspicious link, the message is marked with a red label,” says a report in WaBetaInfo. The red label will indicate that either it’s spam or phishing link or is redirecting to a fake news website. Sometimes, third-party links can redirect to malicious website that download malware in the background.
The feature has been spotted in WhatsApp 2.18.204 beta version. We can expect WhatsApp to roll out this feature very soon. WhatsApp is trying hard to curb the menace of fake news being circulated on its platform for quite some time.
Here are some of the other steps it has taken till now:
*There is always the option to block people. It also prompts unknown senders with an option to either block or add the contact on WhatsApp.
* Feature to prevent users from from adding others back into groups which they left.
* Group admins can decide and even restrict other member from sending texts in a particular group.
* Demote group admins. With this, you can demote existing group admins to member status with limited rights.
* The “Forwarded” label feature allows users to know if the message has being written or forwarded. Courtesy: www.timesofindia.com
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New Delhi: The Lok Sabha is set to debate and vote on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill on Wednesday, with an eight-hour discussion scheduled. The bill has sparked a sharp divide between the government and the Opposition, which has labeled it "unconstitutional."
With a simple majority of 272 votes required for passage, the ruling NDA, which holds 293 seats, is expected to push the bill through. Key allies, including the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Janata Dal (United), and the Lok Janshakti Party (Ramvilas), have extended support after their recommendations were considered by a joint parliamentary committee. The BJP has issued a whip for its MPs, while Opposition parties have done the same to ensure full attendance.
Despite being outnumbered, the Opposition has vowed to challenge the bill. Congress MP K C Venugopal stated that it contradicts constitutional provisions, while CPI(M) MP John Brittas confirmed plans to demand a division of votes. The INDIA bloc, after a strategy meeting, agreed to participate in the debate and push for a vote count.
Earlier, Opposition leaders walked out of a business advisory committee meeting, accusing the government of curbing their voice. Minorities and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed the debate schedule, stating that the Speaker had allowed an eight-hour discussion, extendable if needed. However, the Opposition had demanded 12 hours.
