COPS TAKE ON FAKE NEWS

Mumbai, July 5: Following the lynching of five men in Dhule district, Maharashtra police are taking several preventive steps, including publication of WhatsApp numbers of police control rooms where help can be sought.

Police are also roping in fact-checking websites to verify rumours on social media and debunk fake news.

Mumbai, July 5: Following the lynching of five men in Dhule district, Maharashtra police are taking several preventive steps, including publication of WhatsApp numbers of police control rooms where help can be sought.

Police are also roping in fact-checking websites to verify rumours on social media and debunk fake news.

“We have issued WhatsApp numbers where people can send messages to seek help (or to verify rumours),” said Special Inspector General of Police (Cyber Crime) Brijesh Singh.

WhatsApp messages can be sent to following numbers: Maharashtra State Police Control Room (7506777100 / 7506888100), Navi Mumbai Police (8424820665), Thane City Police (9769724127 / 9969365100), Thane Rural (7045100222), Palghar (9730811119 / 9730711119), Raigad (7057672227 / 7057362226), Mumbai Railway Police (9833312222).

Police are also taking the help of fact-checking websites such as SM HoaxSlayer, Boom Facts and Alt News to do a forensic analysis of viral rumours and debunk fake news, Singh said.

“The government's publicity department, in association with the Cyber Cell of police, is devising short messages for radio, television and social media platforms about how people should deal with rumours.

“We have put up 1,000 hoardings in the state, giving local WhatsApp numbers (of police control room),” he said.

A massive awareness campaign has been launched, he said. —