https://thewire.in/tech/one-step-forwards-two-steps-back-whatsapps-use-in-indian-elections 

India has an estimated 760 million ‘active’ internet users^[2], accessing the internet more than once a month. 400 million of those are active on WhatsApp – the messaging platform’s largest user base.^[3] Several million others use alternative platforms like Facebook Messenger, Telegram and Signal. According to a study by the Reuters Institute, WhatsApp is the second largest, and Telegram is the fifth largest online platform for Indians to access news.^[4] Flying under the radar of election authorities, media regulators and policymakers, these messaging platforms have now become a core feature of electoral communications and media in India.

Given its reach and popularity of use, it’s no surprise that political parties, candidates, campaign management firms and the plethora of other actors involved in understanding and winning over the Indian electorate have adapted their strategies to utilise WhatsApp’s potential for elections. Unsurprisingly, this has led to several familiar concerns around electoral media now being reflected in the use of messaging platforms – disinformation and hate speech are rampant, while the grey-market of personal information fuels targeted propaganda.

by Divij Joshi

02/05/2024