New Delhi: WhatsApp, Facebook and other social media applications developed some technical snags Wednesday, resulting in some users facing problems uploading content, which in turn led to circulation of fake messages on the platforms.
One of the messages stated: “What’s app will b off from 11.30pm to 6:00 am daily. Declared by central govt. Message from narendra modi (PM) we have had an over usage of user names on whatsapp Messenger.”
It further stated that if a user does not forward the message to his/her “entire contact list”, the account will be deleted within the next 48 hours.
“DO NOT ignore my words or whatsapp will no longer recognise your activation. If you wish to re-activate your account after it has been deleted, a charge of 499.00 will be added to your monthly bill,” the message further stated.
The fake message also stated that WhatsApp “is going to cost you money soon”. “The only way that it will stay free is if you are a frequent user i.e. you have at least 50 people you are chatting with,” it said.
Another message, which has been attributed to Google, stated that WhatsApp would be banned for a week.
“Due to some inconvience in satellite connection with our networks.whatsapp is banned for a week.where you could not download vedios,images,voice records & your status,” it said.
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Fact check
These messages hold no truth and are misleading as neither the central government nor WhatsApp has announced any policy change. The glaring spelling mistakes also establish the fact that the messages are fake.
One of the fake messages had emerged in 2014 also.
On the technical glitches, Facebook released a statement Wednesday on Twitter saying, “We’re aware that some people are having trouble uploading or sending images, videos and other files on our apps. We’re sorry for the trouble and are working to get things back to normal as quickly as possible.”
We’re aware that some people are having trouble uploading or sending images, videos and other files on our apps. We're sorry for the trouble and are working to get things back to normal as quickly as possible. #facebookdown
— Facebook (@Facebook) July 3, 2019
“Earlier today, some people and businesses experienced trouble uploading or sending images, videos and other files on our apps and platforms. The issue has since been resolved and we should be back at 100% for everyone. We’re sorry for any inconvenience,” Facebook tweeted Thursday.
In collaboration with SM HoaxSlayer.
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