WhatsApp helpline launched to combat deepfakes in India

The Misinformation Combat Alliance (MCA) and Meta are teaming up to launch a dedicated WhatsApp helpline to fight deepfakes in India.
Starting March 2024, the public can flag suspicious AI-generated media by sending them to a multilingual chatbot (English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu). This initiative aims to curb the spread of misinformation and empower users with fact-checking tools.
Key Points:
Purpose: Combat deepfakes – manipulated videos or audio designed to deceive – that threaten public discourse and trust in information.
Collaboration: Joint effort between MCA, a network of independent fact-checkers, and Meta, supporting 11 fact-checking organizations in India.
Function: Users send suspected deepfakes to the WhatsApp chatbot, triggering assessment by a central "Deepfakes Analysis Unit" (DAU).
DAU Responsibilities: Verify content, debunk misinformation, and collaborate with fact-checkers and digital labs for analysis and response.
Transparency: Meta's AI labeling policy will identify AI-generated images on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads soon.
Significance:
This joint effort represents a critical step in addressing the growing threat of deepfakes in India.
The WhatsApp platform's reach and accessibility aim to empower citizens to actively participate in combating misinformation.
Collaboration between diverse stakeholders – fact-checkers, researchers, journalists, tech professionals – fosters a holistic approach to building a healthier information ecosystem.