Why Are Political Parties Worried About WhatsApp Before Election?

WhatsApp’s new security feature puts Political Parties’ social media campaign strategy in a tizzy.

WhatsApp gears up for General Election 2019.

(Photo: Kamran Akhter/The Quint)

Video Editor: Rahul Sanpui
Cameraperson: Sumit Badola

WhatsApp has been facing the menace of hate messages for quite sometime now. However, the Facebook-owned App is leaving no stones unturned in its wake to curb the menace. Latest being the new forward limit. Now one can forward a single message from one account to five accounts only. As a result, the number of forwards has indeed dropped but, this has directly affected the social media campaigning strategy of the political parties ahead of elections.

According to WhatsApp officials, they have the best in class Spam Detection Technology, using which they can track any suspicious account sending out unwanted or automated messages and block it.

Now, it’s not just WhatsApp but, the authorities too have upped their game to tackle the spread of hate messages. Laws are in place and if anybody is found guilty of spreading a hate message then, as per section 505 of Indian Penal Court (IPC) :

Whoever circulates statements or reports containing rumours or alarming news which is likely to create enmity, hatred or ill-will between communities, shall be punished with up to 3 years imprisonment.

INDIAN PENAL CODE, 1860  Section  505 - Statements conducing to public mischief

Rest...these political parties are very smart. Earlier thousands of sim cards were used now crores of sim cards will be used. Some parties are planning to open call centres in all the states for their campaigning. But, You be vigilant. Do not spread or allow the spread of hate messages. And, if you are part of any group spreading hate messages then block and report the group.