China’s messaging app WeChat blocked 500 mn messages to stop fake news | World News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

China’s messaging app WeChat blocked 500 mn messages to stop fake news

Hindustan Times, Beijing | BySutirtho Patranobis, Beijing
May 07, 2018 11:53 PM IST

WeChat is one of the largest standalone messaging apps in China by monthly active users, counted at more than 963 million monthly.

WeChat, China’s most popular social network, blocked more than 500 million messages and sent out 37 million alerts to quash fake news by the end of 2017, a new Chinese government report has revealed amid increasing fears of internet censorship in the country.

WeChat was linked to millions of jobs in 2017.(AFP File Photo)
WeChat was linked to millions of jobs in 2017.(AFP File Photo)

Used by nearly a billion subscribers, WeChat is now working with third party companies to block posts as part of what the government report described as efforts to safeguard cybersecurity.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

“WeChat has built a mini-programme into its social messaging application dedicated to refuting ‘rumours’, including postings on topics such as the disappearance of Malaysia Airline Flight 370 in 2014 and various other topics, such as ‘cures’ for cancer,” Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported on Monday, citing the report.

It added that by the end of 2017, the “programme has quashed ‘rumours’ for over 19.7 million users and around 37 million alerts were sent out”. The report was released by the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT), an institute run by the industry and information technology ministry. The social media application WeChat was introduced in 2011 by the Chinese tech giant, Tencent Holdings. It is now one of the largest standalone messaging apps by monthly active users, counted at more than 963 million monthly, according to a recent report by official Xinhua news agency.

The application – used globally but largely China-focussed - is now integral to daily life in the country, letting users make payments, order food, book tickets for flights and trains, book taxis and even carry out financial transactions. It can also be used to pay utility bills for electricity and telephones.

The CAICT report said the platform has contributed millions of jobs and generated massive revenues. It said: “WeChat...boosted the country’s information consumption by 210 billion yuan ($ 33 billion) in 2017.”

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! - Login Now!

Get Latest World News along with Latest News from India at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On