WhatsApp has announced that it will limit the number of times a user can forward a message, in a bid to fight ‘misinformation and rumours’.
Users will be limited to forwarding a message five times, where previously they could forward a message to 20 individuals or groups.
In an update to its blog on January 21, WhatsApp said the move will help keep “WhatsApp focused on private messaging with close contacts”.
“WhatsApp carefully evaluated this test and listened to user feedback over a six-month period. The forward limit significantly reduced forwarded messages around the world,” it said.
It added that “starting today, all users on the latest versions of WhatsApp can now forward to only five chats at once.”
The move comes at a time when governments and regulators across the world are looking at effective ways to curb the spread of fake messages through digital platforms.
The new forward update will just require an update to activate the limit starting today.All Android users will receive an update followed by Apple iOS users.