Truecaller on Wednesday, 3 October, launched its instant messaging (IM) platform "Truecaller Chat" with capabilities to report and tackle false links and fake news. The app which previously offered caller, messaging ID and payment feature, is now entering the messaging space, looking to curb the nuisance of fake news spread via anonymous numbers.
"Truecaller Chat" comes with features like auto-switch between SMS and chat feature and full media support. “Truecaller is aiming to prevent the problems caused by spam and false information from going viral by allowing users to report suspicious links floating on the platform,” the company statement highlighted.
Entering the messaging arena puts Truecaller up against established names like WhatsApp and even Paytm which has its own Inbox feature available to users.
Fake news in India has been a prevalent issue, with WhatsApp being the brunt of its protected ecosystem. Truecaller chipping in with its messaging feature ensures that spammers are easy to identify and can be blocked, so that everyone else can also alert the community.
It is likely that messaging will be open to all and not just confined to the premium members. Paid users on Truecaller get the luxury to know which random numbers have been searching for their details and get unlimited access to directory of people who’re available on its database.
You can also record calls made or received from the app and there’s an in-camera scanner feature that basically requires you to hover the camera over a number and it’ll get scanned and copied to the Truecaller clipboard.
Payments is also another option that’s available to users in India, who can also do UPI payments between multiple Truecaller users in the country.
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