This is how Whatsapp Intends to Stop the Spread of Fake News

In efforts to stop the spread of fake news on the app, Facebook’s Whatsapp has put a cap on the number of messages that can be forwarded at a time. This is a new restriction that has begun rolling out since April 7.

The aim of this is to stop the spread of misinformation especially during this pandemic. A similar restriction was used in India and it resulted in a 25% decrease in misinformation.

Read this related article: How Social Media Companies Are Fighting Against Disinformation About Covid-19

It is hoped that when it is eventually implemented, a user would only be allowed to forward a message to one contact at a time after the first five attempts.

Forwarding messages in itself isn’t a wrong thing to do, but it has come to be a means by why misinformation is easily spread and quickly.

This one contact at a time forwarding feature, does not hinder it’s legitimate use. For individuals who use the forward feature legitimately and who will be affected by this update, it’s important to note that the ‘broadcast message’ feature can be used instead.

Read this related article: WhatsApp Now Has Dark Mode! Our Answered Prayer Or Worst Nightmare?

Other integrations allowed into the app aim to help users have access to real-time reliable intelligence concerning COVID-19. The WHO chatbot is one of them.

More features are to be anticipated during this global pandemic.

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