War on fakes: Govt may verify WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook accounts using mobile numbers

The ministry of electronics and IT (MeitY) is exploring the option of verifying users’ profile on social media platforms such as Facebook,

WhatsApp and Twitter through their mobile numbers, which it feels could help check fake accounts that indulge in anti-social activities like spreading dubious information and propaganda.

MeitY is of the view that individual online account of users of social media platforms should be verified and fake ones weeded out. However, privacy of the user needs to be protected at all costs, a government official said. “Verification or authentication through phone number is a very good option. The ministry is considering it and has sought views from stakeholders on the same,” he added.