WhatsApp will allow users to share frequently forwarded messages to only one chat at a time, in a bid to curb the spread of misinformation and fake news through its platform amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The person in need is only required to save the number - 9013151515 in their contact list and send a message to the MyGov Corona Helpdesk.

Whatsapp had said that Indian journalists and human rights activists were among those globally spied upon by unnamed entities using Pegasus spyware.

A new "vulnerability" could attack the messaging app and compromise an individual system without seeking permissions.

The new privacy setting is expected to give users more control in using the app.

Tharoor has said the alleged use of technology to snoop on Indian citizens was a matter of 'grave concern'.

WhatsApp had informed the Indian government in September that 121 Indian users were targeted by the Israeli spyware Pegasus, but IT ministry contended that the information provided was inadequate.

'It is, thus, clear that the BJP government including the Ministry of Information Technology, was fully aware of the cell phones hack in April-May 2019,' says Congress.

'Priyanka Gandhi purportedly received the message around the same time when WhatsApp was sending similar messages to those whose phones were allegedly hacked,' Congress claims.

The Modi government did not deny that it had acquired the NSO platform and did not deny that it was spying on its citizens by hacking into their phones.

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