Previously, WhatsApp started labeling forwarded messages so that those who receive it can more easily identify them. Now, it looks like the Facebook-owned messaging app is taking the next step in preventing the spread of fake news by further limiting the number of recipients that users can forward a message at one time.
Previously, it was possible to forward a message to up to 20 individuals or groups which was already much lower than the original limit of 250. The exception was in India, where WhatsApp has imposed a limit of 5 recipients last year, in the wake of lynching incidents that were apparently fueled by messages that were forwarded through the messaging app.
Now, the company has decided to impose the same restriction to all users throughout the world. A new update that enforces the new limit of five forwards has begun rolling out for Android users, with iOS users getting the update soon after.
This is generally a great update to curb the spread of fake news, as it makes the process of spreading them more troublesome. That said, it still could be quite hard to deter those dead set on spreading misinformation.
(Source: Reuters)
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