Truecaller has introduced a new chat feature that will help curb the spreading of fake news.

The new instant messaging (IM) platform, ‘TruecallerChat’, will allow users to report and flag “suspicious” links, ensuring that fake news is not circulated.

‘Truecaller Chat’ is also bundled with interesting features such as, auto-switch between SMS and Chat, which will help users keep conversations in one place. Other features include full media support, the company said in a statement.

The growth of social media has given birth to the issue of fake news circulation, which has almost become a crisis across the globe.

Popular messaging APP WhatsApp and Facebook have also rolled out a myriad of features to fight fake news.

In May 16, President Uhuru Kenyatta assented to the Computer and Cybercrimes Bill, 2017, which among other things seeks to criminalize fake news.

The Bill, however, remains temporarily suspended after a High Court ruling following an application filed by Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE). BAKE argued that the law was a threat to freedom of expression and will be misused to sensor information that paints “offenders” in bad light.

Justice Chacha Mwita suspended 25 sections of the controversial law, which was supposed to come into effect on May 30.

According to the Cyber Crime law, publishing of false or fictitious information will attract a Sh5 million fine or a two-year jail term.

The Computer Misuse and Cyber Crimes Act criminalizes among other things social media bullying removing the legal lacuna that existed. The crime will attract sh 20 million fine or 10 years jail term. Hackers have also been tackled in the Cybercrimes Bill with the crime attracting a fine of sh 10 million or a five-year jail term.