November 24, 2024
WhatsApp Imposes New Limits on Message Forwarding to Stop Spread of Misinformation

WhatsApp Imposes New Limits on Message Forwarding to Stop Spread of Misinformation

Posted April 7, 2020 at 3:00pm by iClarified
WhatsApp has announced that its imposing new limits on the forwarding of messages to help stop the spread of misinformation during the coronavirus outbreak.

-----
Last year we introduced users to the concept of messages that have been forwarded many times. These messages are labeled with double arrows to indicate they did not originate from a close contact. In effect, these messages are less personal compared to typical messages sent on WhatsApp. We are now introducing a limit so that these messages can only be forwarded to one chat at a time.

As a private messaging service, we’ve taken several steps over the years to help keep conversations intimate. For example, we previously set limits on forwarded messages to constrain virality, which led to a 25% decrease in message forwards globally at the time.


Is all forwarding bad? Certainly not. We know many users forward helpful information, as well as funny videos, memes, and reflections or prayers they find meaningful. In recent weeks, people have also used WhatsApp to organize public moments of support for frontline health workers. However, we’ve seen a significant increase in the amount of forwarding which users have told us can feel overwhelming and can contribute to the spread of misinformation. We believe it’s important to slow the spread of these messages down to keep WhatsApp a place for personal conversation.
-----

You can download WhatsApp Messenger from the App Store for free.

Download


WhatsApp Imposes New Limits on Message Forwarding to Stop Spread of MisinformationWhatsApp Imposes New Limits on Message Forwarding to Stop Spread of MisinformationWhatsApp Imposes New Limits on Message Forwarding to Stop Spread of Misinformation


Add Comment
Would you like to be notified when someone replies or adds a new comment?
Yes (All Threads)
Yes (This Thread Only)
No
iClarified Icon
Notifications
Would you like to be notified when we post a new Apple news article or tutorial?
Yes
No
Comments
You must login or register to add a comment...
Recent. Read the latest Apple News.
RECENT
Tutorials. Help is here.
TUTORIALS
Where to Download macOS Sequoia
Where to Download macOS Ventura
AppleTV Firmware Download Locations
Where To Download iPad Firmware Files From
Where To Download iPhone Firmware Files From
Deals. Save on Apple devices and accessories.
DEALS