India's government has attacked WhatsApp over messages that have led to people being killed in horrific and violent mob attacks.
Authorities have asked the Facebook-owned app to ensure that no further attacks can happen by stopping the spread of false news and hoaxes over the website.
At least 20 people have been killed, mostly in rural villages, in many Indian states by attacking mobs. The attacks come after stories spread quickly and without regard for the truth on WhatsApp and other messaging services.
The messages often describe some kind of threat – such as warning people about gangs abducting children, or about people harvesting body parts. Those attacked are usually new in town or unknown, and are accused of being the people described in the messages.
India's ministry of electronics and information technology said in a statement late Tuesday the lynchings were tied to "irresponsible and explosive messages" circulated on WhatsApp. It wasn't specific on preventative measures it expected.
The social messaging platform owned by Facebook said in a blog it would institute awards for research on "spread of misinformation" on its platform.
Investigating officials say the rumours have targeted outsiders, from holidaymakers to migrant workers from other states, and there is often no link with actual cases of missing children.
"The rumours are striking at a very primal fear of one's child being at risk," said police officer Harsh Poddar, referring to the lynching of two people in Maharashtra on Sunday.
"We want people to be careful about their children but are arresting people for causing public panic."
Additional reporting by agencies
