WebQoof, The Quint's fact-checking and fake news-debunking arm, is now on WhatsApp.
Having already built a strong community via its email (webqoof@thequint.com), WebQoof aims to do the same on WhatsApp as well. Readers can now send in their queries to WebQoof on the verified WhatsApp number 9910181818, and we at The Quint will fact-check it for you.
In the run-up to the 2019 national election, amongst other initiatives that WhatsApp has launched, partnering with fact-checking organisations has been a big priority. WhatsApp worked closely with WebQoof during the onboarding for WhatsApp for Business.
From using in-house technology to on-ground reportage, WebQoof integrates multiple sources of information to fact-check a claim.
And with election season upon us, as propaganda and hate-driven disinformation campaigns escalate, WebQoof has been on the forefront of exposing viral disinformation and bringing out the truth.
Launched in May 2017, WebQoof has attracted a dedicated audience who not only read stories on the platform, but also participate by bringing attention to disinformation circulating on social media, thereby helping us address it.
As fake news and disinformation increases with the penetration of social media, WhatsApp has been attempting to curb the menace on its platform by running ad campaigns – both on radio and television – on how to identify and distinguish fake news from actual news. The messaging app has tied up with debunkers like WebQoof to take its fight forward, particularly in view of the upcoming elections.
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