WhatsApp is set to introduce a significant safety enhancement aimed at helping users in India navigate misinformation, particularly content produced by artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technology. On Monday, Meta, alongside the Misinformation Combat Alliance (MCA), revealed plans to launch a helpline on WhatsApp dedicated to reporting such instances. This announcement aligns with a recent commitment from 20 prominent tech companies, including Meta, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, to collaborate on detecting and addressing harmful AI-generated content in anticipation of global elections in 2024.
The MCA, an initiative designed to combat misinformation across various industries, is collaborating with Meta to implement this new safety feature. The WhatsApp Helpline will function as a chatbot, allowing users to quickly report any messages believed to contain misinformation or deepfake content. Deepfakes are sophisticated AI-generated materials—usually in the form of images or videos—that either mimic another person or distort facts to mislead audiences. These productions can be exceedingly realistic, often inciting confusion and alarm among large groups.
To enhance the effectiveness of this initiative, the MCA will establish a central ‘deepfake analysis unit.’ This unit will closely collaborate with its fact-checking member organizations to review and validate every submitted report. Should the content be determined to be misinformation or an AI-generated deepfake, it will be addressed accordingly, with misinformation likely being debunked and messages potentially removed. The chatbot will be accessible in English, as well as three regional languages—Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.
According to the announcement, the initiative will adopt a four-pronged strategy focused on detection, prevention, reporting, and raising awareness. The WhatsApp Helpline is anticipated to facilitate access to credible information and provide users a venue for message verification. The new feature is projected to go live by March 2024.
In addition to this new effort, Meta already operates various fact-checking initiatives in India, partnering with 11 independent agencies dedicated to curbing misinformation on its platforms. WhatsApp users can currently flag messages for review by over 50 International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) member organizations to ensure information accuracy. Additionally, numerous fact-checking agencies maintain their WhatsApp Channels, allowing users to receive timely verified information. The instant messaging platform also limits misinformation distribution by imposing restrictions on forwarded messages.
