Govt Is Reading Your WhatsApp Messages? The Truth Behind the Viral Triple Tick Claim: PIB Fact Check

A viral message that is circulating across WhatsApp and other social media platforms says that the Indian government has issued new WhatsApp monitoring guidelines. This has been debunked by the Press Information Bureau's Fact Check team, saying that the government has categorically denied issuing any such notification and has urged citizens not to fall for misinformation.

WhatsApp Calls to Be Monitored, Messages Tracked

The fake WhatsApp message lists 11 so-called "new communication rules" for WhatsApp calls and messages. It falsely claims that:

• All voice and video calls will be recorded.
• Call recordings will be saved.
• All social media activity, including on WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, will be monitored.
• Devices will be linked to a Ministry server.
• Sending political or religious messages may result in arrest.
• New "tick" indicators show when the government has read or is acting on messages.

These claims have caused a series of confusion among users after people began sharing across WhatsApp groups and Telegram channels.

PIB Fact Check Statement

Responding to the viral message, the official PIB Fact Check handle on X posted a clear clarification: "That information is FALSE! The Government of India has NOT released any such guidelines. Stay informed and don't fall for misinformation!"

The Government of India has not implemented any new policy that mandates monitoring of WhatsApp conversations, message ticks, or phone recordings. The viral message is completely fake, designed to spread panic and confusion.

WhatsApp Message Tick Myth

The fake post also misrepresents WhatsApp's message tick system by claiming:
Single Tick --message sent

Double Tick--message delivered

Triple Tick--message read by the government

Blue ticks--action being considered

Red ticks--action taken or court summons issued

Fact check: These tick interpretations are fabricated. WhatsApp only uses single (✔) and double (✔✔) ticks, with blue ticks indicating a message has been read (if the recipient has read receipts enabled). There is no feature that allows the government to read or track messages based on tick marks.

The viral message claims that WhatsApp has introduced new tick marks such as a single tick for sent, a double tick for delivered, a triple tick for government-read, blue ticks for government action, and red ticks for court summons indicating government surveillance or legal action.

However, in reality, this is completely false. WhatsApp only uses a single tick to show the message was sent, double ticks to indicate delivery, and blue ticks to confirm the message was read, if read receipts are enabled. There is absolutely no feature that allows the government to monitor or track messages based on these tick symbols.

Don't Share or Forward Unverified Information

The PIB has urged users to be cautious and avoid forwarding unverified claims. Spreading fake news about government surveillance not only misleads the public but can also erode trust in legitimate sources of information.

1. Here's what you should do:
2. Verify messages using official fact-check portals like PIB Fact Check
3. Report viral hoaxes on WhatsApp and social media
4. Follow credible news agencies for updates on WhatsApp rules in India.