How Israeli spyware firm NSO operates in shadowy cyber world

Amnesty International Israel said on Tuesday a possible spyware attack on mobile app Whatsapp 'endangers' millions of users around the world including human rights defenders. Facebook's WhatsApp, a popular messaging tool used by 1.5 billion people monthly, said on Tuesday a security breach on its app had signs of coming from a private company working on surveillance and it had referred the incident to the US Department of Justice.

WhatsApp spyware attack 'endangers' millions - Amnesty International

A vulnerability discovered in Facebook’s WhatsApp messaging app is being exploited to inject commercial spyware onto Android and iOS phones by simply calling the target. The spyware, reportedly developed by Israel’s secretive NSO group, can be installed without trace and without the target answering the call, according to security researchers and confirmed by WhatsApp.

WhatsApp voice calls used to inject spyware on phones

The Sri Lankan government&nbsp;temporarily blocked some social media network and instant messaging apps after violent incidents marred the country in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-catholics-hold-first-sunday-mass-after-easter-attacks-217979">fallout of Easter suicide bombings</a>.

Several dozen people threw stones at mosques and Muslim-owned stores and a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-imposes-curfew-in-western-coastal-town-after-communal-clashes-218047">man was beaten in the town of Chilaw</a> on the west coast on Sunday in a dispute that started on Facebook, news agency Reuters reported.

Some temporarily blocked apps include Facebook Messenger and Whatsapp.

Sri Lankan media also reported incidents in several nearby areas overnight.

Following the incident in Chilaw, a curfew was also imposed in the area which was in&nbsp;effect until 6 am today.

According to the report, tension brewing since Saturday between the Catholics and Muslims in the Christian dominated the town.&nbsp;

On April 21, nine suicide bombers, including a woman, carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through three churches and three luxury hotels, killing 258 people and injuring over 500 others on the Easter Sunday.

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, but the government has blamed local Islamist extremist group, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-terror-group-linked-to-easter-bombings-has-over-rs-140-mn-cash-rs-7-bn-worth-assets-police-216553">National Thawheed Jama'ath</a> (NTJ), for the bombings.

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Early this month, several people were injured in clashes between Muslims and Christians in Negombo, a majority Christian town where St. Sebastian's Church was targeted during the Easter attacks.

After clashes in Negombo, Cardinal Ranjith had appealed to Christians and other communities to show restraint. 
Sri Lanka has a population of 21 million which is a patchwork of ethnicities and religions, dominated by the Sinhalese Buddhist majority.

Muslims account for 10 per cent of the population and are the second-largest minority after Hindus. Around seven per cent of Sri Lankans is Christians.&nbsp;

(With inputs from news agencies)

The Sri Lankan government temporarily blocked some social media network and instant messaging apps after violent incidents marred the country in the fallout of Easter suicide bombings.

The Sri Lankan government temporarily blocked some social media network and instant messaging apps after violent incidents marred the country in the fallout of Easter suicide bombings. Several dozen people threw stones at mosques and Muslim-owned stores and a man was beaten in the town of Chilaw on the west coast on Sunday in a dispute that started on Facebook, news agency Reuters reported. Some temporarily blocked apps include Facebook Messenger and Whatsapp. Sri Lankan media also reported incidents in several nearby areas overnight. Following the incident in Chilaw, a curfew was also imposed in the area which was in effect until 6 am today. According to the report, tension brewing since Saturday between the Catholics and Muslims in the Christian dominated the town. On April 21, nine suicide bombers, including a woman, carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through three churches and three luxury hotels, killing 258 people and injuring over 500 others on the Easter Sunday. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, but the government has blamed local Islamist extremist group, the National Thawheed Jama'ath (NTJ), for the bombings. × Early this month, several people were injured in clashes between Muslims and Christians in Negombo, a majority Christian town where St. Sebastian's Church was targeted during the Easter attacks. After clashes in Negombo, Cardinal Ranjith had appealed to Christians and other communities to show restraint. Sri Lanka has a population of 21 million which is a patchwork of ethnicities and religions, dominated by the Sinhalese Buddhist majority. Muslims account for 10 per cent of the population and are the second-largest minority after Hindus. Around seven per cent of Sri Lankans is Christians. (With inputs from news agencies)

Sri Lanka blocks some social media platforms after mosque attack in Chilaw

The rampant misuse of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-governments-lifts-ban-on-social-media-platforms-214678">social media platforms</a> to spread fake news has been a global cause for concern, and now researchers are conducting a study in India to find out how misinformation shared through WhatsApp messages is influencing the voters in the country.

According to UK-based Indian researcher Sayan Banerjee, fake news does not change people's political opinions, but rather reinforces the existing beliefs and brings out the worst impulses within us. Various reports have suggested that fake news is used to create false perceptions about political candidates or specific groups of people -- manipulating the choices of the voters.&nbsp;

Banerjee and his team from the University of Essex in the UK want to understand how fake news spread through WhatsApp affects politics, ethnic violence and public policy choices in diverse and developing countries like India.&nbsp;The team is set to conduct a five-week long research study in 18 constituencies across four states -- UP, Bihar, West Bengal and Jharkhand.

"Political research in the US has already found that fake news only reinforces the existing political ideas and beliefs. Fake news does not make a person change his beliefs," Banerjee told PTI. "We have a tendency to see fake news as a disease. That is what the narrative is in the public and media. What we are trying to show is that fake news is only a catalyst, the demon is within ourselves," he said.&nbsp;

The experiments will be conducted in two stages. The first involves 3,500 voters across 18 constituencies. Researchers will establish their political preferences and recruit participants willing to share their phone numbers for the study.&nbsp;In the second stage, the researchers will share verified news with a control group and fake news regarding public goods and security issues to a treatment group.

"These are very innocuous fake news. It will be in the form of images and simple captions. It will not mention any political party or real candidates," said Banerjee. The study, which is being funded by Facebook, will then try to understand how the participant's opinions change as a result of the messages.&nbsp;

In his previous research, Banerjee found that three major factors drive political behaviour in India: security, public goods and economic patronage. "Security issues are not just threats of violence against your family or caste, but also about your civil rights, access to police and legal institutions," Banerjee said.

The lack of people from lower castes in courtrooms and police station has always been a significant barrier for Dalits to get justice, Banerjee said. However, affirmative action to protect the interests of the lower castes -- such as the caste reservations -- is causing a backlash from those who have always been on the top.

"There are a lot of poor, upper caste people who are not getting any govt benefits. They will feel aggrieved. That is where the fake news comes is," Banerjee said.&nbsp;He said that political parties like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are using this predisposed belief of being 'left out' to get people to vote for them.&nbsp;

"We see the BJP pushing extremely violent messages in their WhatsApp groups because those things work in getting their voters to the polling booth. They are targeting people who are going to vote for BJP anyway. I don't think it changes a lot of minds," Banerjee said.

"If you look at the numbers, the hate crimes and civil rights violations against caste are through the roof," he said. On the other hand, Congress and other parties, which are trying to stitch together much larger coalitions, have a much harder job.&nbsp;Banerjee expects that messages about public goods -- such as roads, electricity, drainage system etc -- work the best for bigger coalitions.

He also pointed out that fake news is not a new phenomenon. Misinformation has been used by governments for ages to control public opinions for generations. However, with increased accessibility to smartphones and the internet, the dissemination of such messages has become more decentralised and harder to monitor.&nbsp;

"The government is freaking out because they can no longer control it," Banerjee said. According to him, at present, the BJP has the first mover's advantage. "BJP has a more organised ground game where they can influence people -- at least motivate their own voter to go to the polls by sharing something racist or bigoted," Banerjee said.

However, every political party is trying to do the same thing. Once they catch up, Banerjee says the influence of fake news will wear out.&nbsp;The data from the study will not only be helpful for academics, but also for political parties, who will be able to better understand what their voters want.&nbsp;

"We want to let the data speak for itself. It will show what kind of messages work best for influences voters. It is then up to a political party to decide whether they want to be the bad guy -- whether they want to influence their voters with negative messages," Banerjee said.&nbsp;

The rampant misuse of social media platforms to spread fake news has been a global cause for concern, and now researchers are conducting a study in India to find out how misinformation shared through WhatsApp messages is influencing the voters in the country.

The rampant misuse of social media platforms to spread fake news has been a global cause for concern, and now researchers are conducting a study in India to find out how misinformation shared through WhatsApp messages is influencing the voters in the country. According to UK-based Indian researcher Sayan Banerjee, fake news does not change people's political opinions, but rather reinforces the existing beliefs and brings out the worst impulses within us. Various reports have suggested that fake news is used to create false perceptions about political candidates or specific groups of people -- manipulating the choices of the voters. Banerjee and his team from the University of Essex in the UK want to understand how fake news spread through WhatsApp affects politics, ethnic violence and public policy choices in diverse and developing countries like India. The team is set to conduct a five-week long research study in 18 constituencies across four states -- UP, Bihar, West Bengal and Jharkhand. "Political research in the US has already found that fake news only reinforces the existing political ideas and beliefs. Fake news does not make a person change his beliefs," Banerjee told PTI. "We have a tendency to see fake news as a disease. That is what the narrative is in the public and media. What we are trying to show is that fake news is only a catalyst, the demon is within ourselves," he said. The experiments will be conducted in two stages. The first involves 3,500 voters across 18 constituencies. Researchers will establish their political preferences and recruit participants willing to share their phone numbers for the study. In the second stage, the researchers will share verified news with a control group and fake news regarding public goods and security issues to a treatment group. "These are very innocuous fake news. It will be in the form of images and simple captions. It will not mention any political party or real candidates," said Banerjee. The study, which is being funded by Facebook, will then try to understand how the participant's opinions change as a result of the messages. In his previous research, Banerjee found that three major factors drive political behaviour in India: security, public goods and economic patronage. "Security issues are not just threats of violence against your family or caste, but also about your civil rights, access to police and legal institutions," Banerjee said. The lack of people from lower castes in courtrooms and police station has always been a significant barrier for Dalits to get justice, Banerjee said. However, affirmative action to protect the interests of the lower castes -- such as the caste reservations -- is causing a backlash from those who have always been on the top. "There are a lot of poor, upper caste people who are not getting any govt benefits. They will feel aggrieved. That is where the fake news comes is," Banerjee said. He said that political parties like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are using this predisposed belief of being 'left out' to get people to vote for them. "We see the BJP pushing extremely violent messages in their WhatsApp groups because those things work in getting their voters to the polling booth. They are targeting people who are going to vote for BJP anyway. I don't think it changes a lot of minds," Banerjee said. "If you look at the numbers, the hate crimes and civil rights violations against caste are through the roof," he said. On the other hand, Congress and other parties, which are trying to stitch together much larger coalitions, have a much harder job. Banerjee expects that messages about public goods -- such as roads, electricity, drainage system etc -- work the best for bigger coalitions. He also pointed out that fake news is not a new phenomenon. Misinformation has been used by governments for ages to control public opinions for generations. However, with increased accessibility to smartphones and the internet, the dissemination of such messages has become more decentralised and harder to monitor. "The government is freaking out because they can no longer control it," Banerjee said. According to him, at present, the BJP has the first mover's advantage. "BJP has a more organised ground game where they can influence people -- at least motivate their own voter to go to the polls by sharing something racist or bigoted," Banerjee said. However, every political party is trying to do the same thing. Once they catch up, Banerjee says the influence of fake news will wear out. The data from the study will not only be helpful for academics, but also for political parties, who will be able to better understand what their voters want. "We want to let the data speak for itself. It will show what kind of messages work best for influences voters. It is then up to a political party to decide whether they want to be the bad guy -- whether they want to influence their voters with negative messages," Banerjee said.

Study to decode how WhatsApp fake news is influencing Indian voters

Facebook social networking site, photo-sharing social network Instagram and messaging app WhatsApp were inaccessible to some users on Sunday.

As per the website Downdetector, which monitor global outages, there were more than 12,000 incidents of people reporting issues with Facebook at its peak, but that figure dropped to about 2,000 reports.

Facebook experienced one of its longest outages in March when some users around the globe faced trouble accessing Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp for more than 24 hours.

The outage monitoring website also showed that at the peak on Sunday, there were more than 3,000 incidents of people reporting issues with WhatsApp and 7,000 with Instagram.

The website's live outage map showed that the issues were mainly in Europe and Asia.

Users took to Twitter to complain about the outage, tweeting jokes and comments using&nbsp;the #facebookdown, #whatsappdown and #instagramdown hashtags.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/facebook?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#facebook</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/instagram?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#instagram</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/whatsapp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#whatsapp</a> are both down so I guess I have to socialize with my friends now
— Danny Muscat (@Danny_muscat) <a href="https://twitter.com/Danny_muscat/status/1117402599467229184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Last man standing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhatsappDown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhatsappDown</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FacebookDown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FacebookDown</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/instagramDown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#instagramDown</a> <a href="https://t.co/RaSVUEeyYp">pic.twitter.com/RaSVUEeyYp</a>
— Hitsodokotela (@hillaryhitso) <a href="https://twitter.com/hillaryhitso/status/1117409801523400704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/whatsappdown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#whatsappdown</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InstagramDown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InstagramDown</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FacebookDown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FacebookDown</a> 
Those who don't use twitter, 
Right now: <a href="https://t.co/ZFeBfI391z">pic.twitter.com/ZFeBfI391z</a>
— Zia Ullah Jan (@ZiaUllah52552) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZiaUllah52552/status/1117407985100365829?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Facebook did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Facebook social networking site, photo-sharing social network Instagram and messaging app WhatsApp were inaccessible to some users on Sunday. As per the website Downdetector, which monitor global outages, there were more than 12,000 incidents of people reporting issues with Facebook at its peak, but that figure dropped to about 2,000 reports.

Facebook social networking site, photo-sharing social network Instagram and messaging app WhatsApp were inaccessible to some users on Sunday. As per the website Downdetector, which monitor global outages, there were more than 12,000 incidents of people reporting issues with Facebook at its peak, but that figure dropped to about 2,000 reports. Facebook experienced one of its longest outages in March when some users around the globe faced trouble accessing Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp for more than 24 hours. The outage monitoring website also showed that at the peak on Sunday, there were more than 3,000 incidents of people reporting issues with WhatsApp and 7,000 with Instagram. The website's live outage map showed that the issues were mainly in Europe and Asia. Users took to Twitter to complain about the outage, tweeting jokes and comments using the #facebookdown, #whatsappdown and #instagramdown hashtags. #facebook #instagram and #whatsapp are both down so I guess I have to socialize with my friends now — Danny Muscat (@Danny_muscat) April 14, 2019 × Last man standing #WhatsappDown #FacebookDown #instagramDown pic.twitter.com/RaSVUEeyYp — Hitsodokotela (@hillaryhitso) April 14, 2019 × #whatsappdown#InstagramDown#FacebookDown Those who don't use twitter, Right now: pic.twitter.com/ZFeBfI391z — Zia Ullah Jan (@ZiaUllah52552) April 14, 2019 × Facebook did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp hit by outages; users fume on Twitter

Now, WhatsApp users can control who can add them to groups

WhatsApp Business launches on iPhones

WhatsApp introduces new privacy settings for groups, before Lok Sabha Elections in India

Messaging service WhatsApp, which has over 200 million active users in India, on Tuesday said that it has launched a tip line for Indians to submit rumours and uncertain information, in the latest step to combat false news in India during the national election.

Facebook-owned WhatsApp said in a statement it was working with an Indian startup called Proto that will help to classify messages sent by users as true, false, misleading or disputed, news agency Reuters reported.

India is WhatsApp's biggest market in the world.&nbsp;

The platform has over 1.5 billion users globally.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

Messaging service WhatsApp, which has over 200 million active users in India, on Tuesday said that it has launched a tip line for Indians to submit rumours and uncertain information, in the latest step to combat false news in India during the national election.

Messaging service WhatsApp, which has over 200 million active users in India, on Tuesday said that it has launched a tip line for Indians to submit rumours and uncertain information, in the latest step to combat false news in India during the national election. Facebook-owned WhatsApp said in a statement it was working with an Indian startup called Proto that will help to classify messages sent by users as true, false, misleading or disputed, news agency Reuters reported. India is WhatsApp's biggest market in the world. The platform has over 1.5 billion users globally. (With inputs from Reuters)

WhatsApp launches India tip line to curb fake news during Lok Sabha polls 

WhatsApp on Tuesday launched a service for Indians to check the veracity of information, in the messaging platform's latest attempt to combat fake news in India ahead of national elections beginning this month.

WhatsApp said in a statement it was working with local startup Proto to classify messages sent to the service by users as true, false, misleading or disputed. They will also build a database of such content to better understand misinformation.

The move comes as WhatsApp, with over 200 million users in India, battles criticism of its platform being used for the spread of misinformation, while social media companies across the board work to prevent the phenomenon - particularly during sensitive events such as elections.

WhatsApp owner Facebook Inc said on Monday it had deleted 712 accounts and 390 pages in India and Pakistan for "inauthentic behaviour", saying many were linked to India's opposition Congress party and others related to Pakistan's military.

The first phase of India's elections is scheduled to begin on April 11, with final results expected on May 23.

Major Indian political parties have accused each other of propagating fake news on WhatsApp while denying they do so themselves. In February, a senior WhatsApp executive said parties were trying to use the app in "ways for which it was not intended".

WhatsApp had a similar challenge during Brazilian elections last year when politicians had faced claims of spreading falsehoods on the platform.

"The goal of this project is to study the misinformation phenomenon at scale," Proto`s founders Ritvvij Parikh and Nasr ul Hadi said in a statement. "As more data flows in, we will be able to identify the most susceptible or affected issues, locations, languages, regions, and more."

WhatsApp said Proto would be helped by two other organisations with experience working on misinformation-related projects.

"The challenge of viral misinformation requires more collaborative efforts and cannot be solved by any one organisation alone," WhatsApp said.

The new service, dubbed Checkpoint Tipline, can receive messages in the form of images and video as well as text in English and four regional languages, it added. A checkpoint is a research project commissioned by WhatsApp.

Reuters received a message on WhatsApp containing false information and forwarded it to the service around 0640 GMT. It was still awaiting classification more than two hours later.

"Thank you, we`ve received your request and you should hear from us again shortly," a reply said.

WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption allows groups of many users to exchange text messages, images and video beyond the oversight of independent fact checkers or even the company itself.

In July, the company introduced a measure limiting the number of messages a user can forward, a move aimed at curbing mass forwards in India, where the spread of rumours led to several killings and sparked calls for government action.

WhatsApp on Tuesday launched a service for Indians to check the veracity of information, in the messaging platform's latest attempt to combat fake news in India ahead of national elections beginning this month.

WhatsApp on Tuesday launched a service for Indians to check the veracity of information, in the messaging platform's latest attempt to combat fake news in India ahead of national elections beginning this month. WhatsApp said in a statement it was working with local startup Proto to classify messages sent to the service by users as true, false, misleading or disputed. They will also build a database of such content to better understand misinformation. The move comes as WhatsApp, with over 200 million users in India, battles criticism of its platform being used for the spread of misinformation, while social media companies across the board work to prevent the phenomenon - particularly during sensitive events such as elections. WhatsApp owner Facebook Inc said on Monday it had deleted 712 accounts and 390 pages in India and Pakistan for "inauthentic behaviour", saying many were linked to India's opposition Congress party and others related to Pakistan's military. The first phase of India's elections is scheduled to begin on April 11, with final results expected on May 23. Major Indian political parties have accused each other of propagating fake news on WhatsApp while denying they do so themselves. In February, a senior WhatsApp executive said parties were trying to use the app in "ways for which it was not intended". WhatsApp had a similar challenge during Brazilian elections last year when politicians had faced claims of spreading falsehoods on the platform. "The goal of this project is to study the misinformation phenomenon at scale," Proto`s founders Ritvvij Parikh and Nasr ul Hadi said in a statement. "As more data flows in, we will be able to identify the most susceptible or affected issues, locations, languages, regions, and more." WhatsApp said Proto would be helped by two other organisations with experience working on misinformation-related projects. "The challenge of viral misinformation requires more collaborative efforts and cannot be solved by any one organisation alone," WhatsApp said. The new service, dubbed Checkpoint Tipline, can receive messages in the form of images and video as well as text in English and four regional languages, it added. A checkpoint is a research project commissioned by WhatsApp. Reuters received a message on WhatsApp containing false information and forwarded it to the service around 0640 GMT. It was still awaiting classification more than two hours later. "Thank you, we`ve received your request and you should hear from us again shortly," a reply said. WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption allows groups of many users to exchange text messages, images and video beyond the oversight of independent fact checkers or even the company itself. In July, the company introduced a measure limiting the number of messages a user can forward, a move aimed at curbing mass forwards in India, where the spread of rumours led to several killings and sparked calls for government action.

WhatsApp launches fact-check service to fight fake news during India polls

US federal prosecutors are conducting a criminal investigation into data deals<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-instagram-down-in-large-parts-of-the-the-world-203174"> Facebook Inc </a>struck with some of the world's largest technology companies, the New York Times reported on Wednesday.

A grand jury in New York has subpoenaed records from at least two prominent makers of smartphones and other devices, the newspaper reported, citing people familiar with the requests and without naming the companies.

Both companies are among the more than 150, including Amazon.com Inc, Apple Inc and Microsoft Corp, that have entered into partnerships with Facebook for access to the personal information of hundreds of millions of its users, according to the report.

Facebook is facing a slew of lawsuits and regulatory inquiries over its privacy practices, including ongoing investigations by the US Federal Trade Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission and two state agencies in New York.

In addition to looking at the data deals, the probes focus on disclosures that the company shared the user data of 87 million people with Cambridge Analytica, a British consulting firm that worked with US President Donald Trump's campaign.

Facebook said it was cooperating with investigators in multiple federal probes, without addressing the grand jury inquiry specifically.

"We've provided public testimony, answered questions, and pledged that we will continue to do so," Facebook said in a statement.

Facebook has defended the data-sharing deals, first reported in December, saying none of the partnerships gave companies access to information without people's permission.

A spokesman for the United States attorney's office for the Eastern District of New York, which The New York Times reported is overseeing the inquiry, said he could not confirm or deny the probe.

US federal prosecutors are conducting a criminal investigation into data deals Facebook Inc struck with some of the world's largest technology companies, the New York Times reported on Wednesday.

US federal prosecutors are conducting a criminal investigation into data deals Facebook Inc struck with some of the world's largest technology companies, the New York Times reported on Wednesday. A grand jury in New York has subpoenaed records from at least two prominent makers of smartphones and other devices, the newspaper reported, citing people familiar with the requests and without naming the companies. Both companies are among the more than 150, including Amazon.com Inc, Apple Inc and Microsoft Corp, that have entered into partnerships with Facebook for access to the personal information of hundreds of millions of its users, according to the report. Facebook is facing a slew of lawsuits and regulatory inquiries over its privacy practices, including ongoing investigations by the US Federal Trade Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission and two state agencies in New York. In addition to looking at the data deals, the probes focus on disclosures that the company shared the user data of 87 million people with Cambridge Analytica, a British consulting firm that worked with US President Donald Trump's campaign. Facebook said it was cooperating with investigators in multiple federal probes, without addressing the grand jury inquiry specifically. "We've provided public testimony, answered questions, and pledged that we will continue to do so," Facebook said in a statement. Facebook has defended the data-sharing deals, first reported in December, saying none of the partnerships gave companies access to information without people's permission. A spokesman for the United States attorney's office for the Eastern District of New York, which The New York Times reported is overseeing the inquiry, said he could not confirm or deny the probe.

US prosecutors probing Facebook's data deals: Report

Anurag Thakur, chairman of Parliamentary IT Committee, briefed the media after concluding the meeting with officials of Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram on Wednesday. Thakur informed that the officials of social media platforms "accepted there is a need for corrective measures and that they're ready for them," news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

"They have said they will be in touch with the Election Commission and work on the information provided by the concerned ministries,"&nbsp;Thakur noted, adding that the Parliamentary Committee has asked the officials to ensure the respective platforms are not used to "create division in society or incite violence."&nbsp;

"We asked them to ensure their platforms aren't used to create division in society, incite violence, pose threat to India's security or let foreign powers meddle in Indian elections," Thakur told reporters in New Delhi.&nbsp;

A parliamentary panel Wednesday expressed concern over social media giant Facebook's ability to prevent misuse of its platform during elections in India, news agency PTI reported.

The 31-member panel had met to hear the views of the representatives of Facebook and its affiliates WhatsApp and Instagram on 'safeguarding citizens rights on social/online news media platforms'.&nbsp;

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Anurag Thakur, Chairman, Parliamentary IT Committee: They accepted there is a need for corrective measures &amp; that they're ready for them. They have said they will be in touch with the Election Commission &amp; work on the information provided by the concerned ministries. <a href="https://t.co/pjDkGT5WXq">https://t.co/pjDkGT5WXq</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1103225244930719750?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A senior official of Facebook appeared before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology headed by BJP MP Anurag Thakur and responded to concerns raised by the lawmakers over the possible misuse of social media to influence elections, PTI reported.&nbsp;

Facebook has given a commitment to the panel that identity, location and who paid for advertisements during elections will be available on a special web page for users, sources said.

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Facebook Vice-President, Joel Kaplan after meeting with Parliamentary IT Comm: We are very grateful to the honourable Parliamentary Comm for giving us opportunity to come &amp; share how we are preparing for the Indian election &amp; helping keep people in India safe on our platform. <a href="https://t.co/SzcWpTkU9T">pic.twitter.com/SzcWpTkU9T</a>
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According&nbsp;to reports, Facebook told the committee members that it was a "hybrid company" and failed to clearly answer which regulatory framework apply to their content, advertising and marketing operations in India.

The US-based company also admitted it doesn't "always get it right" regarding content moderation on its platform, PTI reported.&nbsp;

One of the sources said that the sense of committee members was that "despite all the apologies for past mistakes that Facebook has made, it still seems unwilling to be properly scrutinised and transparent."

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Anurag Thakur, chairman of Parliamentary IT Committee, briefed the media after concluding the meeting with officials of Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram on Wednesday.

Anurag Thakur, chairman of Parliamentary IT Committee, briefed the media after concluding the meeting with officials of Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram on Wednesday. Thakur informed that the officials of social media platforms "accepted there is a need for corrective measures and that they're ready for them," news agency ANI reported. "They have said they will be in touch with the Election Commission and work on the information provided by the concerned ministries," Thakur noted, adding that the Parliamentary Committee has asked the officials to ensure the respective platforms are not used to "create division in society or incite violence." "We asked them to ensure their platforms aren't used to create division in society, incite violence, pose threat to India's security or let foreign powers meddle in Indian elections," Thakur told reporters in New Delhi. A parliamentary panel Wednesday expressed concern over social media giant Facebook's ability to prevent misuse of its platform during elections in India, news agency PTI reported. The 31-member panel had met to hear the views of the representatives of Facebook and its affiliates WhatsApp and Instagram on 'safeguarding citizens rights on social/online news media platforms'. Anurag Thakur, Chairman, Parliamentary IT Committee: They accepted there is a need for corrective measures & that they're ready for them. They have said they will be in touch with the Election Commission & work on the information provided by the concerned ministries. https://t.co/pjDkGT5WXq — ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2019 × A senior official of Facebook appeared before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology headed by BJP MP Anurag Thakur and responded to concerns raised by the lawmakers over the possible misuse of social media to influence elections, PTI reported. Facebook has given a commitment to the panel that identity, location and who paid for advertisements during elections will be available on a special web page for users, sources said. Facebook Vice-President, Joel Kaplan after meeting with Parliamentary IT Comm: We are very grateful to the honourable Parliamentary Comm for giving us opportunity to come & share how we are preparing for the Indian election & helping keep people in India safe on our platform. pic.twitter.com/SzcWpTkU9T — ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2019 × According to reports, Facebook told the committee members that it was a "hybrid company" and failed to clearly answer which regulatory framework apply to their content, advertising and marketing operations in India. The US-based company also admitted it doesn't "always get it right" regarding content moderation on its platform, PTI reported. One of the sources said that the sense of committee members was that "despite all the apologies for past mistakes that Facebook has made, it still seems unwilling to be properly scrutinised and transparent." (With inputs from agencies)

Facebook officials agreed to ensure that their platforms aren't used to create division in society: Parliamentary panel

People can now file a complaint with the Department of Telecom (DoT) against offensive messages received on WhatsApp, an official said Friday.

The victim just needs to furnish a screenshot of the message along with the mobile number and e-mail it to ccaddn-dot@nic.In.

"If anyone is receiving abusive/offensive/death threats/vulgar whatsapp messages, please send screen shots of the message along with the mobile numbers at ccaddn-dot@nic.in

"We will take it up with the telecom operators and police heads for necessary action," DoT Controller Communications Ashish Joshi tweeted.

The move comes following many public figures, including journalists, complaining of receiving abusive and threatening messages.

The DoT, in an order on February 19, had said that licence conditions bar carriage of objectionable, obscene or unauthorised content in any form on the network.

The order directed all telecom service providers to take immediate action against their customers for sending such messages as it is also a violation of customer declaration in the customer application form.

People can now file a complaint with the Department of Telecom (DoT) against offensive messages received on WhatsApp, an official said Friday. The victim just needs to furnish a screenshot of the message along with the mobile number and e-mail it to ccaddn-dot@nic.

People can now file a complaint with the Department of Telecom (DoT) against offensive messages received on WhatsApp, an official said Friday. The victim just needs to furnish a screenshot of the message along with the mobile number and e-mail it to ccaddn-dot@nic.In. "If anyone is receiving abusive/offensive/death threats/vulgar whatsapp messages, please send screen shots of the message along with the mobile numbers at ccaddn-dot@nic.in "We will take it up with the telecom operators and police heads for necessary action," DoT Controller Communications Ashish Joshi tweeted. The move comes following many public figures, including journalists, complaining of receiving abusive and threatening messages. The DoT, in an order on February 19, had said that licence conditions bar carriage of objectionable, obscene or unauthorised content in any form on the network. The order directed all telecom service providers to take immediate action against their customers for sending such messages as it is also a violation of customer declaration in the customer application form.

Now, register complaint with DoT against offensive WhatsApp messages

An NGO has sent a notice to the Election Commission of India (ECI) demanding it frame guidelines to regulate the functioning of online social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook, ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

The legal notice by the Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change (CASC) states that if the Election Commission fails to act the matter will be taken to court.

This development has come to light after CASC in its representation to the then Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat sought mandatory registration of WhatsApp groups formed by political parties or candidates with the Election Commission.

Election Commission had come up with its first instructions for social media on October 25 2013.

An NGO has sent a notice to the Election Commission of India (ECI) demanding it frame guidelines to regulate the functioning of online social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook, ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

An NGO has sent a notice to the Election Commission of India (ECI) demanding it frame guidelines to regulate the functioning of online social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook, ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The legal notice by the Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change (CASC) states that if the Election Commission fails to act the matter will be taken to court. This development has come to light after CASC in its representation to the then Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat sought mandatory registration of WhatsApp groups formed by political parties or candidates with the Election Commission. Election Commission had come up with its first instructions for social media on October 25 2013.

Notice sent to ECI to frame guidelines for social media sites

In the wake of the spread of fake news, the Centre has directed the messaging platform WhatsApp to come out with effective solutions that can bring in accountability and facilitate enforcement of law against dissemination of wrong information.

Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said in Lok Sabha that the government has taken note of reports about the spread of fake news, misinformation or disinformation on Internet, particularly using WhatsApp platform.

"Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued notices to WhatsApp conveying that they need to come out with effective solutions that can bring in accountability and facilitate enforcement of the law in addition to labelling forwards and weeding out fake news," he said in written reply to a question.

Ahir said WhatsApp has conveyed that a number of steps have been taken by it to address the issue of fake news propagated using the platform.

"Meetings with law enforcement agencies and intermediaries are held on a regular basis to strengthen the coordination framework for better enforcement of the law," he said.&nbsp;

In the wake of the spread of fake news, the Centre has directed the messaging platform WhatsApp to come out with effective solutions that can bring in accountability and facilitate enforcement of law against dissemination of wrong information.

In the wake of the spread of fake news, the Centre has directed the messaging platform WhatsApp to come out with effective solutions that can bring in accountability and facilitate enforcement of law against dissemination of wrong information. Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said in Lok Sabha that the government has taken note of reports about the spread of fake news, misinformation or disinformation on Internet, particularly using WhatsApp platform. "Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued notices to WhatsApp conveying that they need to come out with effective solutions that can bring in accountability and facilitate enforcement of the law in addition to labelling forwards and weeding out fake news," he said in written reply to a question. Ahir said WhatsApp has conveyed that a number of steps have been taken by it to address the issue of fake news propagated using the platform. "Meetings with law enforcement agencies and intermediaries are held on a regular basis to strengthen the coordination framework for better enforcement of the law," he said.

Centre directs WhatsApp to come out with effective solutions against spread of fake news

The Supreme Court Friday asked RBI to respond to an application looking to implead it as a party in a matter seeking directive to US-based WhatsApp to comply with data localisation norms for providing payment service in India.

A bench of Justices R F Nariman and Vineet Saran issued notice to the RBI on an impleadment application by NGO, Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change (CASC), which has filed a petition in the court claiming that WhatsApp has not fully complied with the central bank's circular which prescribed data localisation norms.

The norms relate to storing of payment related data within India, which has 200 million WhatsApp users.

"Issue notice on the application for impleadment of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as respondent," the bench said and posted the matter for hearing on March 5.

On January 14, the top court had permitted advocate Virag Gupta, appearing for the petitioner, to file an application for impleading RBI as a party in the case.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, had also told the court that RBI was needed to be made a party in the case as issue pertains to data localisation.

In its petition, the NGO has sought direction to restrain the instant messaging platform from proceeding with its payment service unless it fully complied with the provisions of the RBI.

The Centre and WhatsApp had earlier told the court that a grievance officer for India has been appointed by the instant messaging service company.

However, the NGO has claimed that grievance officer has been appointed in the United States of America, which is "preposterous and against the sovereignty of India".

In its plea, the NGO has referred to IT (Intermediary) Rules of 2011 and IT (reasonable security practices and procedures and sensitive personal data or information) Rules 2011 wherein provision is made for appointment of grievance officer.

It has also said in its affidavit that it would be a paradox if data localisation norms are prescribed in India but companies are allowed to keep data officers in USA.

On August 27 last year, the apex court had agreed to examine the plea which alleged that WhatsApp does not comply with the Indian laws including the provision for appointing a grievance officer.

WhatsApp reportedly has over 200 million users in India and almost one million people are "testing" its payments service. India is one of the largest bases for the Facebook-owned company that has over 1.5 billion users globally.

In its plea, the CASC said that to open a bank account, a customer needs to comply with KYC norms laid down by the RBI and various other formalities.&nbsp;

"WhatsApp is a foreign company with no office or servers in India. To run Payments Service in India, WhatsApp is obligated to have its office and payments in India," it said.

"Moreover, it is also required to have a Grievance Officer for users in India. Yet, it is being allowed to continue with its payments and other services, without any check," the plea claimed.

The petition also alleged that the social media giant does not comply with tax and other laws of India, but its reach was such that it is used by everyone, be it a commoner or even the judges of the apex court.

It said every user has a number on WhatsApp but the messaging platform has no number through which its user can contact it for any grievance redressal.

Pointing to alleged cases of Internet-based crimes, it has claimed that the growth of such incidents was directly proportional to the growth of the user base of messaging services like WhatsApp.

The Supreme Court Friday asked RBI to respond to an application looking to implead it as a party in a matter seeking directive to US-based WhatsApp to comply with data localisation norms for providing payment service in India.

The Supreme Court Friday asked RBI to respond to an application looking to implead it as a party in a matter seeking directive to US-based WhatsApp to comply with data localisation norms for providing payment service in India. A bench of Justices R F Nariman and Vineet Saran issued notice to the RBI on an impleadment application by NGO, Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change (CASC), which has filed a petition in the court claiming that WhatsApp has not fully complied with the central bank's circular which prescribed data localisation norms. The norms relate to storing of payment related data within India, which has 200 million WhatsApp users. "Issue notice on the application for impleadment of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as respondent," the bench said and posted the matter for hearing on March 5. On January 14, the top court had permitted advocate Virag Gupta, appearing for the petitioner, to file an application for impleading RBI as a party in the case. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, had also told the court that RBI was needed to be made a party in the case as issue pertains to data localisation. In its petition, the NGO has sought direction to restrain the instant messaging platform from proceeding with its payment service unless it fully complied with the provisions of the RBI. The Centre and WhatsApp had earlier told the court that a grievance officer for India has been appointed by the instant messaging service company. However, the NGO has claimed that grievance officer has been appointed in the United States of America, which is "preposterous and against the sovereignty of India". In its plea, the NGO has referred to IT (Intermediary) Rules of 2011 and IT (reasonable security practices and procedures and sensitive personal data or information) Rules 2011 wherein provision is made for appointment of grievance officer. It has also said in its affidavit that it would be a paradox if data localisation norms are prescribed in India but companies are allowed to keep data officers in USA. On August 27 last year, the apex court had agreed to examine the plea which alleged that WhatsApp does not comply with the Indian laws including the provision for appointing a grievance officer. WhatsApp reportedly has over 200 million users in India and almost one million people are "testing" its payments service. India is one of the largest bases for the Facebook-owned company that has over 1.5 billion users globally. In its plea, the CASC said that to open a bank account, a customer needs to comply with KYC norms laid down by the RBI and various other formalities. "WhatsApp is a foreign company with no office or servers in India. To run Payments Service in India, WhatsApp is obligated to have its office and payments in India," it said. "Moreover, it is also required to have a Grievance Officer for users in India. Yet, it is being allowed to continue with its payments and other services, without any check," the plea claimed. The petition also alleged that the social media giant does not comply with tax and other laws of India, but its reach was such that it is used by everyone, be it a commoner or even the judges of the apex court. It said every user has a number on WhatsApp but the messaging platform has no number through which its user can contact it for any grievance redressal. Pointing to alleged cases of Internet-based crimes, it has claimed that the growth of such incidents was directly proportional to the growth of the user base of messaging services like WhatsApp.

Supreme Court seeks RBI response in data localisation matter of WhatsApp payment service

Telecom regulator Trai hopes to finalise, by February-end, its recommendations on whether over-the-top (OTT) services, such as<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mark-zuckerberg-to-integrate-whatsapp-instagram-and-facebook-messenger-report-192830"> WhatsApp</a> and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/skype-joins-list-of-apps-on-china-blacklist-24833">Skype</a>, should be brought under the regulatory ambit, according to a top official.

"We will be organising open house discussions soon. And hopefully, by the end of the next month, we should be able to come up with recommendations," Trai Chairman R S Sharma told PTI in an interview.

In November last year, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) initiated a consultation to explore the regulatory framework for OTT apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook and Google Duo that provide calling and messaging services similar to that by mobile operators.

Trai also sought public opinion on whether the same rules should be applied to OTT applications as are applied to telecom operators. This has been a long-pending demand of telecom operators.

Players such as WhatsApp and Facebook have come under the scrutiny of policymakers over issues including data breach and fake news, and any new regulation or licensing requirement is expected to increase pressure on such platforms.

Mobile operators' association COAI has said the highly taxed telecom industry, invested heavily in licence fee, spectrum, telecom equipment and security apparatus, is on an "unequal footing with unregulated OTTs" that offer similar voice, video and data services without regulatory cost.

In its written submission to the regulator, the Cellular Operators' Association of India (COAI) has said the OTT players should be licensed by introducing 'OTT Communication Authorisation' under the unified licence.

Batting for the 'same service, same rules', COAI said that in case similar obligations are not applied to OTT players, a new set of rules or obligations should be adopted for the telecom service providers also.

On the other hand, the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and the Broadband India Forum (BIF) have opposed the position by telecom operators that OTT services be brought under the licensing and regulatory ambit.

IAMAI said legacy telecommunication regulations should not be automatically extended to online applications because of the fundamental "technical and business differences" between traditional services and apps.

BIF also said heavy regulatory frameworks on OTTs will not be viable or necessary.

"OTT providers offer an array of different services that are accessed by users through the data services provided by TSPs (telecom service providers). Thus, the services provided by TSPs, while they enable access to OTT services, are fundamentally different...," BIF said in its written response to Trai.&nbsp;

Telecom regulator Trai hopes to finalise, by February-end, its recommendations on whether over-the-top (OTT) services, such as WhatsApp and Skype, should be brought under the regulatory ambit, according to a top official.

Telecom regulator Trai hopes to finalise, by February-end, its recommendations on whether over-the-top (OTT) services, such as WhatsApp and Skype, should be brought under the regulatory ambit, according to a top official. "We will be organising open house discussions soon. And hopefully, by the end of the next month, we should be able to come up with recommendations," Trai Chairman R S Sharma told PTI in an interview. In November last year, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) initiated a consultation to explore the regulatory framework for OTT apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook and Google Duo that provide calling and messaging services similar to that by mobile operators. Trai also sought public opinion on whether the same rules should be applied to OTT applications as are applied to telecom operators. This has been a long-pending demand of telecom operators. Players such as WhatsApp and Facebook have come under the scrutiny of policymakers over issues including data breach and fake news, and any new regulation or licensing requirement is expected to increase pressure on such platforms. Mobile operators' association COAI has said the highly taxed telecom industry, invested heavily in licence fee, spectrum, telecom equipment and security apparatus, is on an "unequal footing with unregulated OTTs" that offer similar voice, video and data services without regulatory cost. In its written submission to the regulator, the Cellular Operators' Association of India (COAI) has said the OTT players should be licensed by introducing 'OTT Communication Authorisation' under the unified licence. Batting for the 'same service, same rules', COAI said that in case similar obligations are not applied to OTT players, a new set of rules or obligations should be adopted for the telecom service providers also. On the other hand, the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and the Broadband India Forum (BIF) have opposed the position by telecom operators that OTT services be brought under the licensing and regulatory ambit. IAMAI said legacy telecommunication regulations should not be automatically extended to online applications because of the fundamental "technical and business differences" between traditional services and apps. BIF also said heavy regulatory frameworks on OTTs will not be viable or necessary. "OTT providers offer an array of different services that are accessed by users through the data services provided by TSPs (telecom service providers). Thus, the services provided by TSPs, while they enable access to OTT services, are fundamentally different...," BIF said in its written response to Trai.

Trai recommendations on OTT issue likely by February end: Chairman RS Sharma

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-signs-deal-ending-longest-government-shutdown-in-us-history-192857">Donald Trump signs deal ending </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-signs-deal-ending-longest-government-shutdown-in-us-history-192857">longest</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-signs-deal-ending-longest-government-shutdown-in-us-history-192857"> government shutdown in US history</a>

United States President Donald Trump has signed the deal bringing the government shutdown to an end, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump said Friday he will temporarily end the government shutdown, while dropping his previous insistence on immediate funding for wall construction along the Mexican border.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-7-dead-150-missing-in-brazil-dam-collapse-disaster-192826">At least 7 dead, 150 missing in Brazil dam collapse disaster</a>

A collapse of a disused dam at an iron-ore mine complex in southeast Brazil killed at least seven people and left 150 missing, officials said, as they sought to evaluate the full scope of the disaster.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mark-zuckerberg-to-integrate-whatsapp-instagram-and-facebook-messenger-report-192830">Mark Zuckerberg to integrate WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook Messenger: Report</a>

Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg is planning to unify the underlying messaging infrastructure of the WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook Messenger services and incorporate end-to-end encryption into these apps, the New York Times reported on Friday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mnf-will-withdraw-support-to-nda-over-citizenship-bill-if-situation-arises-chief-minister-zoramthanga-192842">Will withdraw support from NDA over Citizenship Bill if </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mnf-will-withdraw-support-to-nda-over-citizenship-bill-if-situation-arises-chief-minister-zoramthanga-192842">situation</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mnf-will-withdraw-support-to-nda-over-citizenship-bill-if-situation-arises-chief-minister-zoramthanga-192842"> arises: Mizoram Chief Minister</a>

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga said on Thursday that the ruling Mizo National Front would not hesitate to snap ties with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) if the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is not revoked.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-india-vs-new-zealand-2nd-odi-at-bay-oval-192844">Live updates | INDvsNZ, 2nd ODI: India </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-india-vs-new-zealand-2nd-odi-at-bay-oval-192844">are</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-india-vs-new-zealand-2nd-odi-at-bay-oval-192844"> at 56-0 after 10 overs</a>

After 10 overs, India are at a score of 56 at without losing any wicket.

The openers started off the innings well as India managed to give a dominating start.

Rohit (30) and Shikhar (24) strike several beautiful shots to cheer up Indian fans present at Bat Oval stadium.&nbsp;

Donald Trump signs deal ending longest government shutdown in US history United States President Donald Trump has signed the deal bringing the government shutdown to an end, news agency AFP reported.

Donald Trump signs deal ending longest government shutdown in US history United States President Donald Trump has signed the deal bringing the government shutdown to an end, news agency AFP reported. President Donald Trump said Friday he will temporarily end the government shutdown, while dropping his previous insistence on immediate funding for wall construction along the Mexican border. At least 7 dead, 150 missing in Brazil dam collapse disaster A collapse of a disused dam at an iron-ore mine complex in southeast Brazil killed at least seven people and left 150 missing, officials said, as they sought to evaluate the full scope of the disaster. Mark Zuckerberg to integrate WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook Messenger: Report Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg is planning to unify the underlying messaging infrastructure of the WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook Messenger services and incorporate end-to-end encryption into these apps, the New York Times reported on Friday. Will withdraw support from NDA over Citizenship Bill if situation arises: Mizoram Chief Minister Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga said on Thursday that the ruling Mizo National Front would not hesitate to snap ties with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) if the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is not revoked. Live updates | INDvsNZ, 2nd ODI: India are at 56-0 after 10 overs After 10 overs, India are at a score of 56 at without losing any wicket. The openers started off the innings well as India managed to give a dominating start. Rohit (30) and Shikhar (24) strike several beautiful shots to cheer up Indian fans present at Bat Oval stadium.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg is planning to unify the underlying messaging infrastructure of the WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook Messenger services and incorporate end-to-end encryption into these apps, the New York Times reported on Friday.

The three services will, however, continue as stand-alone apps, the report said, citing four people involved in the effort.

Facebook said it is working on adding end-to-end encryption, which protects messages from being viewed by anyone except the participants in a conversation, to more of its messaging products, and considering ways to make it easier for users to connect across networks.

"There is a lot of discussion and debate as we begin the long process of figuring out all the details of how this will work," a spokesperson said.

After the changes, a Facebook user, for instance, will be able to send an encrypted message to someone who has only a WhatsApp account, according to the New York Times report.

Integrating the messaging services could make it harder for antitrust regulators to break up Facebook by undoing its acquisitions of WhatsApp and Instagram, said Sam Weinstein, a professor at the Benjamin N&nbsp;Cardozo School of Law.

"If Facebook is worried about that then one way it can defend itself is to integrate those services," Weinstein said.

But Weinstein said breaking up Facebook is viewed as an "extreme remedy" by regulators, particularly in the United States, so concerns over antitrust scrutiny may not have been a factor behind the integration.

MAJOR TRADEOFFS

Some former Facebook security engineers and an outside encryption expert said the plan could be good news for user privacy, in particular by extending end-to-end encryption.

"I'm cautiously optimistic it's a good thing," said former Facebook Chief Security Officer Alex Stamos, who now teaches at Stanford University. "My fear was that they were going to drop end-to-end encryption."

However, the technology does not always conceal metadata - information about who is talking to whom - sparking concern among some researchers that the data might be shared.

Any metadata integration likely will let Facebook learn more about users, linking identifiers such as phone numbers and email addresses for those using the services independently of each other.

Facebook could use that data to charge more for advertising and targeted services, although it also would have to forgo ads based on message content in Messenger and Instagram.

Other major tradeoffs will have to be made too, Stamos and others said.

Messenger allows strangers to contact people without knowing their phone numbers, for example, increasing the risk of stalking and approaches to children.

Systems based on phone numbers have additional privacy concerns because governments and other entities can easily extract location information from them.

Stamos said he hoped Facebook would get public input from terrorism experts, child safety officers, privacy advocates and others and be transparent in its reasoning when it makes decisions on the details.

"It should be an open process because you can't have it all," Stamos said.

Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg is planning to unify the underlying messaging infrastructure of the WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook Messenger services and incorporate end-to-end encryption into these apps, the New York Times reported on Friday.

Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg is planning to unify the underlying messaging infrastructure of the WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook Messenger services and incorporate end-to-end encryption into these apps, the New York Times reported on Friday. The three services will, however, continue as stand-alone apps, the report said, citing four people involved in the effort. Facebook said it is working on adding end-to-end encryption, which protects messages from being viewed by anyone except the participants in a conversation, to more of its messaging products, and considering ways to make it easier for users to connect across networks. "There is a lot of discussion and debate as we begin the long process of figuring out all the details of how this will work," a spokesperson said. After the changes, a Facebook user, for instance, will be able to send an encrypted message to someone who has only a WhatsApp account, according to the New York Times report. Integrating the messaging services could make it harder for antitrust regulators to break up Facebook by undoing its acquisitions of WhatsApp and Instagram, said Sam Weinstein, a professor at the Benjamin N Cardozo School of Law. "If Facebook is worried about that then one way it can defend itself is to integrate those services," Weinstein said. But Weinstein said breaking up Facebook is viewed as an "extreme remedy" by regulators, particularly in the United States, so concerns over antitrust scrutiny may not have been a factor behind the integration. MAJOR TRADEOFFS Some former Facebook security engineers and an outside encryption expert said the plan could be good news for user privacy, in particular by extending end-to-end encryption. "I'm cautiously optimistic it's a good thing," said former Facebook Chief Security Officer Alex Stamos, who now teaches at Stanford University. "My fear was that they were going to drop end-to-end encryption." However, the technology does not always conceal metadata - information about who is talking to whom - sparking concern among some researchers that the data might be shared. Any metadata integration likely will let Facebook learn more about users, linking identifiers such as phone numbers and email addresses for those using the services independently of each other. Facebook could use that data to charge more for advertising and targeted services, although it also would have to forgo ads based on message content in Messenger and Instagram. Other major tradeoffs will have to be made too, Stamos and others said. Messenger allows strangers to contact people without knowing their phone numbers, for example, increasing the risk of stalking and approaches to children. Systems based on phone numbers have additional privacy concerns because governments and other entities can easily extract location information from them. Stamos said he hoped Facebook would get public input from terrorism experts, child safety officers, privacy advocates and others and be transparent in its reasoning when it makes decisions on the details. "It should be an open process because you can't have it all," Stamos said.

Mark Zuckerberg to integrate WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook Messenger: Report

WhatsApp on Tuesday evening experienced issue globally around 11:30 pm IST, leaving people unable to chat.

According to the website Down Detector, the problems were reported worldwide and on various platforms including iPhone and Android.

People were unable to log into the app at all and who did&nbsp;log in could not send or receive messages.&nbsp;

The issue was resolved within hours but the cause is yet unknown.

Northern Europe and South America and the United Kingdom were the most affected areas with WhatsApp login problem.

This issue comes a day after the messenger app limited the number of times a user can forward a message. Previously, a WhatsApp user could forward a message to 20 individuals or groups, not it has been restricted to five.

WhatsApp has around 1.5 billion users.

WhatsApp on Tuesday evening experienced issue globally around 11:30 pm IST, leaving people unable to chat. According to the website Down Detector, the problems were reported worldwide and on various platforms including iPhone and Android.

WhatsApp on Tuesday evening experienced issue globally around 11:30 pm IST, leaving people unable to chat. According to the website Down Detector, the problems were reported worldwide and on various platforms including iPhone and Android. People were unable to log into the app at all and who did log in could not send or receive messages. The issue was resolved within hours but the cause is yet unknown. Northern Europe and South America and the United Kingdom were the most affected areas with WhatsApp login problem. This issue comes a day after the messenger app limited the number of times a user can forward a message. Previously, a WhatsApp user could forward a message to 20 individuals or groups, not it has been restricted to five. WhatsApp has around 1.5 billion users.

WhatsApp temporary outage hits users worldwide, issue resolved

Facebook Inc's WhatsApp messenger service is globally limiting the number of times a user can forward a message to five, in a bid to fight "misinformation and rumours", company executives said on Monday.

"We're imposing a limit of five messages all over the world as of today," Victoria Grand, vice president for policy and communications at WhatsApp, said at an event in the Indonesian capital.

Previously, a WhatsApp user could forward a message to 20 individuals or groups. The five-recipient limit expands globally a measure WhatsApp put into place in India in July after the spread of rumours on social media led to killings and lynching attempts.

WhatsApp, which has around 1.5 billion users, has been trying to find ways to stop misuse of the app, following global concern that the platform was being used to spread fake news, manipulated photos, videos without context, and audio hoaxes, with no way to monitor their origin or full reach.

The app's end-to-end encryption allows groups of hundreds of users to exchange texts, photos and video beyond the purview of independent fact checkers or even the platform itself.

WhatsApp will roll out an update to activate the new forward limit, starting Monday, WhatsApp's head of communications Carl Woog told Reuters.

Android users will receive the update first, followed by users of Apple's iOS.

Facebook Inc's WhatsApp messenger service is globally limiting the number of times a user can forward a message to five, in a bid to fight "misinformation and rumours", company executives said on Monday.

Facebook Inc's WhatsApp messenger service is globally limiting the number of times a user can forward a message to five, in a bid to fight "misinformation and rumours", company executives said on Monday. "We're imposing a limit of five messages all over the world as of today," Victoria Grand, vice president for policy and communications at WhatsApp, said at an event in the Indonesian capital. Previously, a WhatsApp user could forward a message to 20 individuals or groups. The five-recipient limit expands globally a measure WhatsApp put into place in India in July after the spread of rumours on social media led to killings and lynching attempts. WhatsApp, which has around 1.5 billion users, has been trying to find ways to stop misuse of the app, following global concern that the platform was being used to spread fake news, manipulated photos, videos without context, and audio hoaxes, with no way to monitor their origin or full reach. The app's end-to-end encryption allows groups of hundreds of users to exchange texts, photos and video beyond the purview of independent fact checkers or even the platform itself. WhatsApp will roll out an update to activate the new forward limit, starting Monday, WhatsApp's head of communications Carl Woog told Reuters. Android users will receive the update first, followed by users of Apple's iOS.

Facebook's WhatsApp limits text forwards to five recipients to curb rumours

Global social media and technology giants are gearing up to fight sweeping new rules proposed by the Indian government that would require them to actively regulate content in one of the world's biggest Internet markets, sources close to the matter told Reuters.

The rules, proposed by the Information Technology ministry on Christmas Eve, would compel platforms such as Facebook, its messaging service WhatsApp and Twitter to remove unlawful content, such as anything that affected the "sovereignty and integrity of India". This had to be done within 24 hours, the rules propose.

The proposal, which caught many holidaying industry executives off guard, is open for public comment until January 31. It will then be adopted as law, with or without changes.

The move comes ahead of India's national election due by May and amid rising worries that activists could misuse social media, especially the WhatsApp messaging service, to spread fake news and sway voters.

Industry executives and civil rights activists say the rules smack of censorship and could be used by the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to increase surveillance and crack down on dissent. Social media firms have long battled efforts by governments around the world to hold them responsible for what users post on their platforms.

US and India lobby groups, representing Facebook and other companies, have sought legal opinions from law firms on the impact of the federal proposal, and have started working on drafting objections to be filed with the IT ministry, four sources in the sector said.

"The companies can't take this lying down. We are all concerned, it's fundamental to how these platforms are governed," said an executive at a global social media company.

An estimated half a billion people in India have access to the Internet. Facebook has about 300 million users in the country and WhatsApp has more than 200 million. Tens of millions of Indians use Twitter.

The new rules, the sources said, would put privacy of users at risk and raise costs by requiring onerous round-the-clock monitoring of online content.

Internet firm Mozilla Corp said last week the proposal was a "blunt and disproportionate" solution to the problem of harmful content online, and one which could lead to over-censorship and "chill free expression".

The IT ministry has said the proposal was aimed at only making social media safer. "This is not an effort to curb freedom of speech, or (impose) censorship," Gopalakrishnan S., a joint secretary at India's IT ministry said on Saturday when the ministry ran a #SaferSocialMedia campaign on Twitter.

Facebook and WhatsApp declined to comment.

A Twitter spokesperson said the company continues to engage with the IT Ministry and civil society on the proposed rules.

"This will be like a sword hanging on technology companies," said Nikhil Narendran, a partner specializing in technology law at Indian law firm Trilegal.

Tight regulations

Such regulations are not unique to India. Vietnam has asked tech companies to open local offices and store data domestically, while Australia's parliament has passed a bill to force companies to give police access to encrypted data. Germany requires social media companies to remove illegal hate speech within 24 hours or face fines.

Nevertheless, the proposal would further strain relations between India and global technology firms. They have been at odds since last year due to federal proposals requiring them to store more user data locally to better assist legal investigations.

The new rules, called "intermediary guidelines", also propose requiring companies with more than 5 million users in India to have a local office and a nodal officer for "24x7 coordination with law enforcement".

When asked by a government agency or through a court order, companies should within 24 hours "remove or disable access" to "unlawful" content, they stipulate.

The rules also mandate companies to reveal the origin of a message when asked, which if enforced would deal a blow to WhatsApp which boasts of end-to-end encryption to protect user privacy. WhatsApp has battled criticism after fake messages about child kidnap gangs on its platform sparked mob lynchings in India last year.

"You have created a monster, you should have the ability to control the monster," a senior government official said, referring to WhatsApp.

"We remain flexible in principle (to suggestions), but we definitely want them to be more accountable, especially the big companies," the official said.

Global social media and technology giants are gearing up to fight sweeping new rules proposed by the Indian government that would require them to actively regulate content in one of the world's biggest Internet markets, sources close to the matter told Reuters.

Global social media and technology giants are gearing up to fight sweeping new rules proposed by the Indian government that would require them to actively regulate content in one of the world's biggest Internet markets, sources close to the matter told Reuters. The rules, proposed by the Information Technology ministry on Christmas Eve, would compel platforms such as Facebook, its messaging service WhatsApp and Twitter to remove unlawful content, such as anything that affected the "sovereignty and integrity of India". This had to be done within 24 hours, the rules propose. The proposal, which caught many holidaying industry executives off guard, is open for public comment until January 31. It will then be adopted as law, with or without changes. The move comes ahead of India's national election due by May and amid rising worries that activists could misuse social media, especially the WhatsApp messaging service, to spread fake news and sway voters. Industry executives and civil rights activists say the rules smack of censorship and could be used by the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to increase surveillance and crack down on dissent. Social media firms have long battled efforts by governments around the world to hold them responsible for what users post on their platforms. US and India lobby groups, representing Facebook and other companies, have sought legal opinions from law firms on the impact of the federal proposal, and have started working on drafting objections to be filed with the IT ministry, four sources in the sector said. "The companies can't take this lying down. We are all concerned, it's fundamental to how these platforms are governed," said an executive at a global social media company. An estimated half a billion people in India have access to the Internet. Facebook has about 300 million users in the country and WhatsApp has more than 200 million. Tens of millions of Indians use Twitter. The new rules, the sources said, would put privacy of users at risk and raise costs by requiring onerous round-the-clock monitoring of online content. Internet firm Mozilla Corp said last week the proposal was a "blunt and disproportionate" solution to the problem of harmful content online, and one which could lead to over-censorship and "chill free expression". The IT ministry has said the proposal was aimed at only making social media safer. "This is not an effort to curb freedom of speech, or (impose) censorship," Gopalakrishnan S., a joint secretary at India's IT ministry said on Saturday when the ministry ran a #SaferSocialMedia campaign on Twitter. Facebook and WhatsApp declined to comment. A Twitter spokesperson said the company continues to engage with the IT Ministry and civil society on the proposed rules. "This will be like a sword hanging on technology companies," said Nikhil Narendran, a partner specializing in technology law at Indian law firm Trilegal. Tight regulations Such regulations are not unique to India. Vietnam has asked tech companies to open local offices and store data domestically, while Australia's parliament has passed a bill to force companies to give police access to encrypted data. Germany requires social media companies to remove illegal hate speech within 24 hours or face fines. Nevertheless, the proposal would further strain relations between India and global technology firms. They have been at odds since last year due to federal proposals requiring them to store more user data locally to better assist legal investigations. The new rules, called "intermediary guidelines", also propose requiring companies with more than 5 million users in India to have a local office and a nodal officer for "24x7 coordination with law enforcement". When asked by a government agency or through a court order, companies should within 24 hours "remove or disable access" to "unlawful" content, they stipulate. The rules also mandate companies to reveal the origin of a message when asked, which if enforced would deal a blow to WhatsApp which boasts of end-to-end encryption to protect user privacy. WhatsApp has battled criticism after fake messages about child kidnap gangs on its platform sparked mob lynchings in India last year. "You have created a monster, you should have the ability to control the monster," a senior government official said, referring to WhatsApp. "We remain flexible in principle (to suggestions), but we definitely want them to be more accountable, especially the big companies," the official said.

Social media giants plan push-back on India's new regulations: Sources

A woman has lodged a complaint alleging that her husband had divorced her by pronouncing "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/triple-talaq-ordinance-why-no-similar-penal-provisions-for-hindu-men-deserting-women-asks-opposition-166709">triple talaq</a>" over phone, police said.

Based on the complaint filed by the woman, an investigation is underway, J Manjula, Inspector of Police, Women's police station at Central Crime Station.

We are consulting legal experts to ascertain whether a case can be booked under the recent <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/triple-talaq-ordinance-challenged-supreme-court-167593">Ordinance on triple talaq</a>, she told PTI.

In the complaint, the victim stated that she got married in January 2017 and her husband Mohammed Muzammil started harassing her just after one month of the marriage.

He intensified the torture after a girl child was born in February this year.

"On November 28, he (husband) called me on WhatsApp and abused. He pronounced talaq, talaq and talaq and disconnected the call. I need justice. I came to know that he is looking to get married with another woman," she said.

The police official further said they are seeking cyber experts assistance also to crack the WhatsApp call data.

The Supreme Court had struck down the practice of divorce through triple talaq among Muslims as "void," "illegal" and "unconstitutional"

Earlier this week, the central government had introduced a fresh bill in the Lok Sabha to make triple talaq a penal offence.

The bill replaces an ordinance issued in September.

A woman has lodged a complaint alleging that her husband had divorced her by pronouncing "triple talaq" over phone, police said. Based on the complaint filed by the woman, an investigation is underway, J Manjula, Inspector of Police, Women's police station at Central Crime Station.

A woman has lodged a complaint alleging that her husband had divorced her by pronouncing "triple talaq" over phone, police said. Based on the complaint filed by the woman, an investigation is underway, J Manjula, Inspector of Police, Women's police station at Central Crime Station. We are consulting legal experts to ascertain whether a case can be booked under the recent Ordinance on triple talaq, she told PTI. In the complaint, the victim stated that she got married in January 2017 and her husband Mohammed Muzammil started harassing her just after one month of the marriage. He intensified the torture after a girl child was born in February this year. "On November 28, he (husband) called me on WhatsApp and abused. He pronounced talaq, talaq and talaq and disconnected the call. I need justice. I came to know that he is looking to get married with another woman," she said. The police official further said they are seeking cyber experts assistance also to crack the WhatsApp call data. The Supreme Court had struck down the practice of divorce through triple talaq among Muslims as "void," "illegal" and "unconstitutional" Earlier this week, the central government had introduced a fresh bill in the Lok Sabha to make triple talaq a penal offence. The bill replaces an ordinance issued in September.

Hyderabad: Woman accuses husband of triple talaq over phone

Social media platforms like <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/whatsapp-builds-system-to-comply-with-indias-payments-data-storage-norms-170379">Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp</a> and Twitter will soon deploy 'proactive, artificial intelligence (AI) based tools' to check spread of hate messages and rumours inciting violence and crimes against women, Home Ministry officials said Friday.

Anyone found involved in disseminating <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/whatsapp-has-to-follow-indian-laws-says-ravi-shankar-prasad-after-meeting-ceo-160592">fake news creating social tension</a> or pornographic contents inciting sex crimes will be identified, name disclosed and prosecuted.

This was agreed upon after a series of meetings between representatives of the social media platforms and central government officials led by Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba, a Home Ministry official said.

The social media sites have agreed to deploy 'proactive, AI-based tools' to check spread of hate messages and rumours inciting violence and crimes against women. Such content will be automatically removed from their platforms, the official said.

There were problems in implementation or enforcement of directives given by law enforcement agencies under the IT Act and the Telegraph Act but the level of compliance has now gone up to 80 per cent from 60 per cent, while the time taken to take such action has gone down, the official said.

The compliance period has come down from 72 hours to 24 hours and it was agreed that if a case is made out in any incident, the person will be identified, name disclosed and he/she will be prosecuted, the official said.

The social media platforms have engaged NGOs working in the field and appointed grievance redressal cell for prompt action.

Earlier, the government had said social media sites were "slow" in removing objectionable or unlawful content which allegedly aided the spread of hate messages, rumours inciting violence and crimes against women and they were warned of strict legal action if they failed to comply with the directives of law enforcement agencies.

In the recent past, some objectionable content which could potentially disrupt public peace or law and order and incite criminal offences, including communal violence, have been posted on Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, YouTube.

Some of these cases were brought to the notice of the Home Ministry. Action was taken for removal of such content after the intervention of the ministry and the Delhi Police.

During the meetings, specific instances of legal requisitions were shown where the Delhi Police had sought removal of content openly inciting violence but the social platforms' response had been neither "full nor timely", another official said.

Specific legal notices issued by the Delhi Police seeking investigation-related information were also shared with them.

During the series of meetings with all social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp and Twitter, the government had sensitised them about preventive and other actions to remove unlawful content immediately, another official said.

Gauba had held the meetings in June and October. A series of meetings were conducted by senior officers of the Home Ministry, Delhi Police and police officers of other states to sensitise the country representatives of social media platforms about the gravity of unlawful or objectionable content posted on their platforms, and their possible consequences.

A number of cases have come to the fore in the recent past where social media platforms were used to spread hate messages and rumours inciting violence, including against women, but Internet giants - most of them headquartered outside India - have been allegedly resisting sharing of customer details and message trails citing privacy issues.

However, some social media firms have said they are taking necessary steps to stop misuse of their platforms for the spread of fake news, and rumours and hate messages. &nbsp;

Social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp and Twitter will soon deploy 'proactive, artificial intelligence (AI) based tools' to check spread of hate messages and rumours inciting violence and crimes against women, Home Ministry officials said Friday.

Social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp and Twitter will soon deploy 'proactive, artificial intelligence (AI) based tools' to check spread of hate messages and rumours inciting violence and crimes against women, Home Ministry officials said Friday. Anyone found involved in disseminating fake news creating social tension or pornographic contents inciting sex crimes will be identified, name disclosed and prosecuted. This was agreed upon after a series of meetings between representatives of the social media platforms and central government officials led by Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba, a Home Ministry official said. The social media sites have agreed to deploy 'proactive, AI-based tools' to check spread of hate messages and rumours inciting violence and crimes against women. Such content will be automatically removed from their platforms, the official said. There were problems in implementation or enforcement of directives given by law enforcement agencies under the IT Act and the Telegraph Act but the level of compliance has now gone up to 80 per cent from 60 per cent, while the time taken to take such action has gone down, the official said. The compliance period has come down from 72 hours to 24 hours and it was agreed that if a case is made out in any incident, the person will be identified, name disclosed and he/she will be prosecuted, the official said. The social media platforms have engaged NGOs working in the field and appointed grievance redressal cell for prompt action. Earlier, the government had said social media sites were "slow" in removing objectionable or unlawful content which allegedly aided the spread of hate messages, rumours inciting violence and crimes against women and they were warned of strict legal action if they failed to comply with the directives of law enforcement agencies. In the recent past, some objectionable content which could potentially disrupt public peace or law and order and incite criminal offences, including communal violence, have been posted on Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, YouTube. Some of these cases were brought to the notice of the Home Ministry. Action was taken for removal of such content after the intervention of the ministry and the Delhi Police. During the meetings, specific instances of legal requisitions were shown where the Delhi Police had sought removal of content openly inciting violence but the social platforms' response had been neither "full nor timely", another official said. Specific legal notices issued by the Delhi Police seeking investigation-related information were also shared with them. During the series of meetings with all social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp and Twitter, the government had sensitised them about preventive and other actions to remove unlawful content immediately, another official said. Gauba had held the meetings in June and October. A series of meetings were conducted by senior officers of the Home Ministry, Delhi Police and police officers of other states to sensitise the country representatives of social media platforms about the gravity of unlawful or objectionable content posted on their platforms, and their possible consequences. A number of cases have come to the fore in the recent past where social media platforms were used to spread hate messages and rumours inciting violence, including against women, but Internet giants - most of them headquartered outside India - have been allegedly resisting sharing of customer details and message trails citing privacy issues. However, some social media firms have said they are taking necessary steps to stop misuse of their platforms for the spread of fake news, and rumours and hate messages.

Social media platforms to deploy AI to combat fake news: Home ministry official

Indian govt meets WhatsApp to track fake news

Indian tech ministry officials met with senior WhatsApp executives this week to ask the Facebook Inc unit to start tracing the origins of misinformation spread through its messaging platform, a senior government official said on Friday.

WhatsApp has been working to curb the circulation of what technology minister Ravi Shankar Prasad termed "sinister" content in India, the firm's biggest market where it boasts over 220 million users.

Such misinformation has led to the lynching of over 30 people since January last year, according to data portal IndiaSpend, prompting Prasad to call on WhatsApp to trace its origins.

WhatsApp has previously declined to trace the origin of messages, citing security issues.

"We have been asking them for traceability," said the official at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, declining to be identified as the meeting was private. "They (WhatsApp) are non-committal on it but we are forcing this issue."

WhatsApp was represented by Director &amp; Associate General Counsel Brian Hennessy and one other executive and said it was working on measures to prevent the spread of misinformation, according to the official.

"WhatsApp regularly engages with the Government of India to discuss our commitment to maintaining a private and safe platform for people to communicate with one another," the firm said in a statement. "We look forward to continued discussions on how we can work together towards these common goals."

WhatsApp maintains that building traceability into its messaging service would undermine its private nature and end-to-end encryption, creating the potential for misuse. It has also said it will not weaken the privacy protection it provides.

The firm has since launched print, radio and television advertising campaigns to educate users on the dangers of misinformation. It is also conducted roadshows in partnership with mobile phone network provider Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd.

WhatsApp has held digital literacy training for community leaders and law enforcement as well as introduced features on its app such as limits on message forwarding and labels for forwarded messages.

Indian tech ministry officials met with senior WhatsApp executives this week to ask the Facebook Inc unit to start tracing the origins of misinformation spread through its messaging platform, a senior government official said on Friday.

Indian tech ministry officials met with senior WhatsApp executives this week to ask the Facebook Inc unit to start tracing the origins of misinformation spread through its messaging platform, a senior government official said on Friday. WhatsApp has been working to curb the circulation of what technology minister Ravi Shankar Prasad termed "sinister" content in India, the firm's biggest market where it boasts over 220 million users. Such misinformation has led to the lynching of over 30 people since January last year, according to data portal IndiaSpend, prompting Prasad to call on WhatsApp to trace its origins. WhatsApp has previously declined to trace the origin of messages, citing security issues. "We have been asking them for traceability," said the official at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, declining to be identified as the meeting was private. "They (WhatsApp) are non-committal on it but we are forcing this issue." WhatsApp was represented by Director & Associate General Counsel Brian Hennessy and one other executive and said it was working on measures to prevent the spread of misinformation, according to the official. "WhatsApp regularly engages with the Government of India to discuss our commitment to maintaining a private and safe platform for people to communicate with one another," the firm said in a statement. "We look forward to continued discussions on how we can work together towards these common goals." WhatsApp maintains that building traceability into its messaging service would undermine its private nature and end-to-end encryption, creating the potential for misuse. It has also said it will not weaken the privacy protection it provides. The firm has since launched print, radio and television advertising campaigns to educate users on the dangers of misinformation. It is also conducted roadshows in partnership with mobile phone network provider Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd. WhatsApp has held digital literacy training for community leaders and law enforcement as well as introduced features on its app such as limits on message forwarding and labels for forwarded messages.

Government meets with WhatsApp over tracing of fake news - source

Facebook-owned WhatsApp said on Wednesday it had hired Abhijit Bose, the co-founder and chief executive of Indian mobile payments firm Ezetap, to be the head of its operations in India, its biggest market by users.

The Indian government has pressured the messaging service to build a local team and Bose's appointment comes as WhatsApp tries to curb the spread of misinformation on its service in India where it has more than 200 million users.

Bose's appointment is the first time WhatsApp has created a country head role anywhere in the world, the company said in a statement on Wednesday.

The Indian government has previously told the US&nbsp;company to take steps to prevent the circulation of false texts and provocative content that had led to a series of lynchings and mob beatings across India.

WhatsApp has since launched a media advertising blitz, done roadshows, and held workshops with community leaders and police officials to curb the spread of misinformation through its platform.

The appointment of Ezetap's Bose highlights California-based WhatsApp's ambitions in the payments space.

It has been testing a payments service in India and is awaiting a final nod from India's central bank for a full launch of the service.

Credit Suisse estimates the value of transactions in India's digital payments space will grow five-fold to $1 trillion by 2023.

"As a successful entrepreneur himself, Abhijit knows what it takes to build meaningful partnerships that can serve businesses across India," WhatsApp Chief Operating Officer Matt Idema said in the statement.

Bose will begin his new role at WhatsApp in early 2019 and will report to Idema.

Bose's appointment comes just two months after parent Facebook named streaming service Hotstar's chief Ajit Mohan as its first India head.

The two appointments are crucial: India is the biggest market by users for both Facebook and WhatsApp and both firms are trying to get their social media strategies in place ahead of India's general election next year.

Facebook-owned WhatsApp said on Wednesday it had hired Abhijit Bose, the co-founder and chief executive of Indian mobile payments firm Ezetap, to be the head of its operations in India, its biggest market by users.

Facebook-owned WhatsApp said on Wednesday it had hired Abhijit Bose, the co-founder and chief executive of Indian mobile payments firm Ezetap, to be the head of its operations in India, its biggest market by users. The Indian government has pressured the messaging service to build a local team and Bose's appointment comes as WhatsApp tries to curb the spread of misinformation on its service in India where it has more than 200 million users. Bose's appointment is the first time WhatsApp has created a country head role anywhere in the world, the company said in a statement on Wednesday. The Indian government has previously told the US company to take steps to prevent the circulation of false texts and provocative content that had led to a series of lynchings and mob beatings across India. WhatsApp has since launched a media advertising blitz, done roadshows, and held workshops with community leaders and police officials to curb the spread of misinformation through its platform. The appointment of Ezetap's Bose highlights California-based WhatsApp's ambitions in the payments space. It has been testing a payments service in India and is awaiting a final nod from India's central bank for a full launch of the service. Credit Suisse estimates the value of transactions in India's digital payments space will grow five-fold to $1 trillion by 2023. "As a successful entrepreneur himself, Abhijit knows what it takes to build meaningful partnerships that can serve businesses across India," WhatsApp Chief Operating Officer Matt Idema said in the statement. Bose will begin his new role at WhatsApp in early 2019 and will report to Idema. Bose's appointment comes just two months after parent Facebook named streaming service Hotstar's chief Ajit Mohan as its first India head. The two appointments are crucial: India is the biggest market by users for both Facebook and WhatsApp and both firms are trying to get their social media strategies in place ahead of India's general election next year.

WhatsApp hires Ezetap's Abhijit Bose to be its India head

The government Wednesday said it is not seeking decryption of messages on WhatsApp but rather the location and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/whatsapp-rejects-indias-demand-to-track-origin-of-message-says-cannot-undermine-privacy-161162">identity</a> of those spreading misinformation that provokes violence and heinous offences.

After meeting with WhatsApp Vice President Chris Daniels, IT Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/whatsapp-has-to-follow-indian-laws-says-ravi-shankar-prasad-after-meeting-ceo-160592">Ravi Shankar Prasad said</a>: "On the issue of traceability, I emphasised that when we talk of traceability, we don't talk of decrypting messages".

"We insist rather on location and identification of the sender of WhatsApp messages when such messages lead to provocation of violence, heinous offences and other serious crimes," he said.

Prasad added that he has been assured by the WhatsApp team that they will look into the matter and revert.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/facebooks-whatsapp-taking-legal-action-against-brazil-election-spammers-172412">Facebook-owned company</a> has been under pressure for months now to put in place a mechanism to clamp down on fake messages on its platform.

"I met Chris Daniels, along with his team, and discussed various issues of the past. They have assured us that they have appointed a grievance officer for India. I have suggested that we will appreciate if grievance officer is also located in India," Prasad said.

The minister said during the meeting, he also emphasised that WhatsApp is an important instrument of message circulation, especially during elections.

"...It is appropriate and desirable that the institutional integrity of this platform is maintained so that abusers cannot abuse it. They (WhatsApp) have also assured that they will work with my department in preventing circulation of spam farms," he said.

Out of WhatsApp user base of 1.3 billion people, more than 200 million people are in India -- the single largest market for the popular messaging platform.

The government Wednesday said it is not seeking decryption of messages on WhatsApp but rather the location and identity of those spreading misinformation that provokes violence and heinous offences.

The government Wednesday said it is not seeking decryption of messages on WhatsApp but rather the location and identity of those spreading misinformation that provokes violence and heinous offences. After meeting with WhatsApp Vice President Chris Daniels, IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said: "On the issue of traceability, I emphasised that when we talk of traceability, we don't talk of decrypting messages". "We insist rather on location and identification of the sender of WhatsApp messages when such messages lead to provocation of violence, heinous offences and other serious crimes," he said. Prasad added that he has been assured by the WhatsApp team that they will look into the matter and revert. The Facebook-owned company has been under pressure for months now to put in place a mechanism to clamp down on fake messages on its platform. "I met Chris Daniels, along with his team, and discussed various issues of the past. They have assured us that they have appointed a grievance officer for India. I have suggested that we will appreciate if grievance officer is also located in India," Prasad said. The minister said during the meeting, he also emphasised that WhatsApp is an important instrument of message circulation, especially during elections. "...It is appropriate and desirable that the institutional integrity of this platform is maintained so that abusers cannot abuse it. They (WhatsApp) have also assured that they will work with my department in preventing circulation of spam farms," he said. Out of WhatsApp user base of 1.3 billion people, more than 200 million people are in India -- the single largest market for the popular messaging platform.

Not seeking decryption, but location, identity of those sending provocative messages: Govt to WhatsApp

Facebook Inc's WhatsApp messaging application business said on Friday it was "taking immediate legal action" against companies that are sending spam messages ahead of the Brazilian presidential election.

Campaign propaganda has flooded social media in Brazil ahead of an October&nbsp;28 run-off vote in the presidential election.

Brazilian top electoral court TSE approved on Friday opening a probe over actions to distribute bulk electoral messages against leftist presidential candidate Fernando Haddad over the WhatsApp messaging service, according to official documents.

On Thursday, newspaper Folha de S.Paulo had reported that supporters of the far-right candidate had funded mass messaging attacks against leftist rival Fernando Haddad.

Bolsonaro said in an online video that he had no knowledge of such activity and called on any supporters doing so to stop.

Haddad and his allies have urged an investigation and threatened a flurry of legal action, as the race that lawmaker Bolsonaro is expected to win by a landslide on Oct. 28 reaches its final stretch.

Facebook Inc's WhatsApp messaging application business said on Friday it was "taking immediate legal action" against companies that are sending spam messages ahead of the Brazilian presidential election.

Facebook Inc's WhatsApp messaging application business said on Friday it was "taking immediate legal action" against companies that are sending spam messages ahead of the Brazilian presidential election. Campaign propaganda has flooded social media in Brazil ahead of an October 28 run-off vote in the presidential election. Brazilian top electoral court TSE approved on Friday opening a probe over actions to distribute bulk electoral messages against leftist presidential candidate Fernando Haddad over the WhatsApp messaging service, according to official documents. On Thursday, newspaper Folha de S.Paulo had reported that supporters of the far-right candidate had funded mass messaging attacks against leftist rival Fernando Haddad. Bolsonaro said in an online video that he had no knowledge of such activity and called on any supporters doing so to stop. Haddad and his allies have urged an investigation and threatened a flurry of legal action, as the race that lawmaker Bolsonaro is expected to win by a landslide on Oct. 28 reaches its final stretch.

Facebook's WhatsApp taking legal action against Brazil election spammers

Allegations of a dirty tricks campaign on WhatsApp dominated Brazil's presidential election race on Thursday, turning attention to social media manipulation following abuses uncovered in the last US election and Britain's Brexit referendum.

Trailing leftist candidate Fernando Haddad accused the far-right frontrunner, Jair Bolsonaro, of "illegal" electoral tactics after a report that companies were poised to unleash a flood of WhatsApp messages attacking him and his Workers Party.

Bolsonaro denied the allegation, tweeting that the Haddad's Workers Party "isn't being hurt by fake news, but by the TRUTH."

The exchange happened 10 days before a run-off election that polls predict Bolsonaro -- a bluff, internet-savvy, pro-gun polemicist often compared to US President Donald Trump -- will likely win comfortably.

Ordinary Brazilians told AFP they got much of their election information through WhatsApp. They said some in their families or entourage swallowed some misinformation, but denied they themselves were being influenced.

"We get a lot of news, even false news, but some true, about politics but I don't think it changes very much in terms of making decisions," said&nbsp;Ana Clara Valle, a 27-year-old engineer in Rio.

She said she was voting for Bolsonaro because of his Catholic, pro-family stance, not because of any "extreme right" sensibility.

Andre de Souza, a 35-year-old lawyer leaning toward voting for Bolsonaro, said he receives around 500 WhatsApp messages a day for and against both candidates.

The rumors and false information "don't make a difference to me," he said, but added: "My mother received a WhatsApp message saying Bolsonaro was doing away with (mandatory) end-of-year&nbsp;salary payments, and she believed it!"

'Slander'&nbsp;

Haddad made his accusation after Brazil's widest circulation newspaper, Folha de Sao Paulo, reported it had discovered contracts worth up to $3.2 million each for companies to send out bulk WhatsApp messages attacking the Workers Party.

"We have identified a campaign of slander and defamation via WhatsApp and, given the mass of messages, we know that there was dirty money behind it, because it wasn't registered with the Supreme Electoral Tribunal," Haddad told a media conference in Sao Paulo.

Bolsonaro's lawyer, Tiago Ayres, told the financial daily Valor there was no evidence of any connection between the companies mentioned by Folha de Sao Paulo and Bolsonaro's campaign.&nbsp;

The row shone a light on an issue&nbsp;that has become a pressing one in democracies: the organized abuse of social media to sway public opinion in countries.

Facebook -- which owns WhatsApp, as well as popular image-based network Instagram -- is the most prominent company that has come under scrutiny, though Twitter has also come in for criticism.

The platforms have made an effort to clean up who uses their services after evidence of Russian interference in the 2016 US election that saw Trump triumph, and accusations Facebook allowed user data to be harvested to bolster the campaign the same year for Britain to leave the European Union.

Facebook has also shut down disinformation pages traced to campaigns believed to have ties to Iran's state-owned media and to Russian military intelligence services.

Seeking a debate&nbsp;

There is no evidence of foreign interference online in Brazil's election.

The director of major polling firm Datafolha, Mauro Paulinho, said on Twitter that his company had detected "some shifts" in public opinion just before the first round of the election on October 7, which Bolsonaro won handily.

"Technical and factual observations" were made, he said, without drawing any conclusions.

There are 120 million WhatsApp user accounts in Brazil, whose population is 210 million. The app works as a popular social network for friends, families and work colleagues.

Both Haddad and Bolsonaro are the subject of memes, cartoons and slogans circulating online in Brazil.

Haddad, a former education minister and ex-mayor of Sao Paulo, has repeatedly tried to draw Bolsonaro into televised debates on policies.

The leftist candidate has an academic background he believes would give him an advantage if the exchanges moved away from the one-line quips and insults that characterize most social media communications.

But Bolsonaro, who skipped early debates because he was recovering from a knife stab wound after being attacked by a lone assailant while campaigning last month, has thus far shown little inclination to go head-to-head with Haddad.

Allegations of a dirty tricks campaign on WhatsApp dominated Brazil's presidential election race on Thursday, turning attention to social media manipulation following abuses uncovered in the last US election and Britain's Brexit referendum.

Allegations of a dirty tricks campaign on WhatsApp dominated Brazil's presidential election race on Thursday, turning attention to social media manipulation following abuses uncovered in the last US election and Britain's Brexit referendum. Trailing leftist candidate Fernando Haddad accused the far-right frontrunner, Jair Bolsonaro, of "illegal" electoral tactics after a report that companies were poised to unleash a flood of WhatsApp messages attacking him and his Workers Party. Bolsonaro denied the allegation, tweeting that the Haddad's Workers Party "isn't being hurt by fake news, but by the TRUTH." The exchange happened 10 days before a run-off election that polls predict Bolsonaro -- a bluff, internet-savvy, pro-gun polemicist often compared to US President Donald Trump -- will likely win comfortably. Ordinary Brazilians told AFP they got much of their election information through WhatsApp. They said some in their families or entourage swallowed some misinformation, but denied they themselves were being influenced. "We get a lot of news, even false news, but some true, about politics but I don't think it changes very much in terms of making decisions," said Ana Clara Valle, a 27-year-old engineer in Rio. She said she was voting for Bolsonaro because of his Catholic, pro-family stance, not because of any "extreme right" sensibility. Andre de Souza, a 35-year-old lawyer leaning toward voting for Bolsonaro, said he receives around 500 WhatsApp messages a day for and against both candidates. The rumors and false information "don't make a difference to me," he said, but added: "My mother received a WhatsApp message saying Bolsonaro was doing away with (mandatory) end-of-year salary payments, and she believed it!" 'Slander' Haddad made his accusation after Brazil's widest circulation newspaper, Folha de Sao Paulo, reported it had discovered contracts worth up to $3.2 million each for companies to send out bulk WhatsApp messages attacking the Workers Party. "We have identified a campaign of slander and defamation via WhatsApp and, given the mass of messages, we know that there was dirty money behind it, because it wasn't registered with the Supreme Electoral Tribunal," Haddad told a media conference in Sao Paulo. Bolsonaro's lawyer, Tiago Ayres, told the financial daily Valor there was no evidence of any connection between the companies mentioned by Folha de Sao Paulo and Bolsonaro's campaign. The row shone a light on an issue that has become a pressing one in democracies: the organized abuse of social media to sway public opinion in countries. Facebook -- which owns WhatsApp, as well as popular image-based network Instagram -- is the most prominent company that has come under scrutiny, though Twitter has also come in for criticism. The platforms have made an effort to clean up who uses their services after evidence of Russian interference in the 2016 US election that saw Trump triumph, and accusations Facebook allowed user data to be harvested to bolster the campaign the same year for Britain to leave the European Union. Facebook has also shut down disinformation pages traced to campaigns believed to have ties to Iran's state-owned media and to Russian military intelligence services. Seeking a debate There is no evidence of foreign interference online in Brazil's election. The director of major polling firm Datafolha, Mauro Paulinho, said on Twitter that his company had detected "some shifts" in public opinion just before the first round of the election on October 7, which Bolsonaro won handily. "Technical and factual observations" were made, he said, without drawing any conclusions. There are 120 million WhatsApp user accounts in Brazil, whose population is 210 million. The app works as a popular social network for friends, families and work colleagues. Both Haddad and Bolsonaro are the subject of memes, cartoons and slogans circulating online in Brazil. Haddad, a former education minister and ex-mayor of Sao Paulo, has repeatedly tried to draw Bolsonaro into televised debates on policies. The leftist candidate has an academic background he believes would give him an advantage if the exchanges moved away from the one-line quips and insults that characterize most social media communications. But Bolsonaro, who skipped early debates because he was recovering from a knife stab wound after being attacked by a lone assailant while campaigning last month, has thus far shown little inclination to go head-to-head with Haddad.

WhatsApp dirty tricks alleged in Brazil presidential race

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