WhatsApp Puts New Limits on the Forwarding of Viral Messages
WhatsApp has introduced major restrictions on the mass forwarding of messages in an attempt to stop the spread of misinformation, The Independent reports.
Like other social networks, WhatsApp has seen a rise in users spreading hoaxes, rumours and other kinds of false stories about coronavirus and other news events.
Now it will stop messages being repeatedly forwarded on, in bulk, to groups. Instead, users will have to work harder to pass information on. If a message is being repeatedly forwarded, users will only be able to send it to one chat at a time, rather than five.
WhatsApp is also testing a feature that would display a small magnifying glass next to any such messages. Users will then be able to click that and be taken to a web search for the message, with the intention of letting them find articles that may debunk the message or shed further light on any claims found within it – and not forward them on if they find the message is not true.
The features are intended to stop users forwarding messages that have not necessarily been checked and are likely to include false claims.
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