HIGHLIGHTS
Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, a viral message has been circulating, claiming that drones are tracking people’s locations via their mobile phones. The advisory urged citizens to disable location services immediately. However, the Indian government has officially declared this message as fake. Here’s what you need to know about this misinformation and how to stay safe from rumors.
What Did the Viral Message Claim?
The widely shared advisory suggested that drones were being used to identify high-population areas by tracking mobile phone locations. The message, which appeared to come from credible sources, read:
“Urgent advisory: Please turn off your phone’s location services immediately. Drones are being deployed to detect densely populated areas using mobile signals.”
This alarming message gained traction, especially given the ongoing India-Pakistan border tensions, causing panic among citizens.
Government Clarifies: Advisory is Fake
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check unit quickly stepped in to debunk the rumor. In a post on X, PIB stated:
“A viral message is circulating, claiming that the government has issued an advisory to disable phone location services due to drone surveillance. #PIBFactCheck: This is FAKE. No such advisory has been issued by the Government of India.”
The government’s swift response has helped reassure citizens and curb the spread of this hoax.
Rising Misinformation Amid Tensions
This fake advisory is part of a broader wave of misinformation linked to the current India-Pakistan situation. Earlier this week, the government warned about a potential surge in Pakistan-sponsored propaganda on social media platforms. A PIB advisory noted:
“Be cautious of misleading posts flooding social media in the coming days. Verify all information, especially about the Indian Armed Forces or the ongoing situation, before sharing. Report suspicious content to #PIBFactCheck.”
Authorities have urged citizens to rely only on verified sources, such as official government channels, for updates on sensitive matters.
How to Report Suspicious Content
If you encounter questionable posts or messages, the government has provided easy ways to report them:
- WhatsApp: Send details to +91 8799711259
- Email: Reach out to [email protected]
By reporting misinformation, you can help prevent the spread of rumors that could cause unnecessary panic.
Staying Safe from Rumors
The government has advised citizens to:
- Verify Information: Cross-check news with trusted sources like PIB or official government websites.
- Avoid Sharing Unverified Content: Refrain from forwarding messages or posts unless they come from credible sources.
- Stay Calm: Misinformation often aims to create panic. Stay informed through official updates.
Conclusion
The viral drone advisory claiming phones are being tracked is a hoax, as confirmed by the Indian government. Amid rising tensions, it’s more important than ever to stay vigilant and rely on verified information. Have you come across similar fake messages? Let us know in the comments, and help spread awareness by sharing this article!
