Amid reports about new WhatsApp monitoring guidelines doing rounds on social media, the government has clarified that it has not issued any such directions.
“Don't Fall For It! Government Has NOT Issued New WhatsApp Monitoring Guidelines,” warned a post published by the Press Information Bureau.
The fake undated post doing rounds on social media alleged that all calls will be recorded and saved while the government will monitor WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other platforms.
It also claimed that devices of users will be linked to the ministry's system, alleging that they should not send posts or videos against the government or the prime minister. It also alleged that such posts on political or religious issues can lead to arrests. These allegations are not true, according to PIB.
Heads up! Have you also come across a message claiming the Indian government has rolled out new WhatsApp monitoring guidelines? 👀#PIBFactCheck:
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) August 2, 2025
🚨 That information is FALSE! 🚨
📣 The Government of India has NOT released any such guidelines.
Stay informed and don't fall for… pic.twitter.com/Gkax1dmi7k
It then goes on to claim that new verification badges were introduced on WhatsApp, including:
- Three blue ✓✓✓ = The government took note of the message
- Two blue ✓✓ and one red ✓ = The government can take action against you
- One blue ✓ two red ✓✓ = The government is checking your information
- Three red ✓✓✓ = The government has started proceedings against you and you will get a court summons soon
However, the fact-check team of the PIB has clarified that there is truth to such claims. The messages sent and received on WhatsApp are protected with end-to-end encryption technology and cannot be accessed by third party.
A similar claim appeared in April 2020, when the PIB Fact Check team issued a similar warning to citizen to not fall for such rumours.
