Fake News on WhatsApp Is Killing People in India
- In her area, bogus WhatsApp messages warn of child kidnappers
- Ahead of 2019 election, social media manipulation to intensify
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Local musicians are already singing about the evils of fake news when police superintendent Rema Rajeshwari’s convoy rolls up to the dusty village square in one of India’s poorest communities. "Don’t believe these things," a performer cries out to the crowd.
In a dark blue cap and stiff khaki uniform, Rajeshwari climbs onto a makeshift stage in front of hundreds of villagers. She’s there to try and stop the spread of bogus WhatsApp messages in her district that warn of child kidnappers and roving murderers.