Cybersecurity experts warn disinformation on WhatsApp is the hidden threat to the UK general election
JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Imagessimply click here to claim your deal and get access to all exclusive Business Insider PRIME content.
The Facebook-owned service has already been forced to take action in both India and Brazil, where far-right propaganda was shared through private messages far and wide during elections. WhatsApp, owned by Facebook since 2014, has become a key battleground in the war on political disinformation around the world. In the last 18 months, elections in India and Brazil have seen far-right activists sharing false information via the messaging app, with WhatsApp taking direct action to limit the spread of propaganda.with WhatsApp messages urging them to vote against Labour in the election, accusing the party of being "anti-India" and "anti-Hindu".
Moriuchi, now head of strategic threat development at Recorded Future, said one way forward could be the analysis of metadata. Metadata is typically defined as "data about other data", as in this case: timestamps, location, and profile. Moriuchi added: "When the election is so tight, and just a few swing seats could decide the fate of the country, I think it's worth investigating the extent to which these smaller communities are being targeted."The British government's home secretary, Priti Patel, has previously said governments should be allowed to read people's WhatsApp messages, claiming the end-to-end encryption of Facebook's messaging platforms risks hindering police investigations.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Hugh Grant on Boris Johnson's 'Love Actually' Election Video: 'Maybe That's Where the Rubles Went'Grant has been campaigning to stop Johnson from winning the U.K.'s general election, joining other names from the world of entertainment, including Steve Coogan, Mark Rylance, Julie Christie and Rob Delaney.
Read more »
Quibi seeks influencers for original shows - Business Insider - Business InsiderShort-form subscription video app Quibi is forming output deals with social media influencers to fill out the third tier in its content strategy.
Read more »
Here's what you need to know about U.K.'s pivotal 'Brexit election'This, the 19th general election of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, could turn out to be the most important.
Read more »
Everything you need to know about the UK’s digital electionConfused about how the UK’s general election is playing out online? POLITICO has you covered.
Read more »
UK politicians 'don't do God' but religion matters in this electionThere's a general attitude in the U.K. that politics and faith do not mix well, yet religion has featured prominently in the 2019 election debate.
Read more »
How controversial YouTuber Tana Mongeau makes money: talent manager - Business InsiderJordan Worona, who manages YouTube stars like Tana Mongeau, spoke to Business Insider about the business behind controversial content on YouTube.
Read more »