Organization:WhatsApp University

From HandWiki
Short description: Pejorative coined by Ravish Kumar

WhatsApp University is a phrase which refers to the fake news and misinformation spread in India through WhatsApp forwards.[1][2]

The phrase has gained a popular meme status and been a subject of stand-up comics.[3]

Usage

Politics

The phrase has been used to target politicians and political parties.[4][5][6][7]

Courts

In May 2022, Kerala High Court dismissed a PIL, alleging forceful vaccination of children in schools based on social media rumours. It remarked, “Don't go by this WhatsApp University. You are here with a speculative cause of action. We are not going to create confusion in the minds of people.”[8]

See also

References

  1. "The Great Indian WhatsApp University" (in en-GB). 2019-11-23. https://cyberblogindia.in/the-great-indian-whatsapp-university/. "The rationale behind using the term “WhatsApp University” is that the universities are a medium to provide knowledge and information. Similarly, since WhatsApp has taken over as the most preferred communication medium in India, it is now being used to share information which is rather funny and unrealistic, and it may have serious sequences." 
  2. Roy, Sandip (2018-07-07). "WhatsApp — India's leading university" (in en-IN). The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. https://www.thehindu.com/society/whatsapp-indias-leading-university/article24358591.ece. 
  3. Jena, Smrutisnat (2020-07-24). "Logic Khatre Mein Hai: Kunal Kamra Takes On WhatsApp University In Latest Stand-Up" (in English). https://www.scoopwhoop.com/humor/logic-khatre-mein-hai-kunal-kamra-takes-on-whatsapp-university-in-latest-stand-up/. 
  4. "Maharashtra Minister's "WhatsApp University" Jibe At BJP's New Online Campaign Plan". https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/maharashtra-ministers-whatsapp-university-jibe-at-bjps-new-online-campaign-plan-2270936. 
  5. "Yogi getting my telephones tapped: Akhilesh" (in en-IN). The Hindu. Press Trust of India. 2021-12-20. ISSN 0971-751X. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/yogi-getting-my-telephones-tapped-akhilesh/article37993341.ece. "The Yogi Adityanath government is running a WhatsApp University in the State, Mr. Yadav said derisively." 
  6. "WATCH: BJP youth wing leader Ruchi Pathak claims India is on lease for 99 years, tweeple call her WhatsApp University topper" (in en-US). 2021-10-28. https://www.apnlive.com/bjp-ruchi-pathak-india-on-99-years-lease-video/. 
  7. "BJP MPs call Kharge 'VC of WhatsApp University' for criticising Railways". https://www.business-standard.com/politics/bjp-mps-call-kharge-vc-of-whatsapp-university-for-criticising-railways-123060901106_1.html. 
  8. Varghese, Hannah M. (2022-05-06). "'Don't Go By WhatsApp University': Kerala High Court Dismisses PIL Alleging Forced Vaccination Of Children" (in en). https://www.livelaw.in/news-updates/dont-go-by-whatsapp-university-kerala-high-court-dismisses-pil-alleging-forced-vaccination-of-children-198488. 

External links