WhatsApp limits message forwards in attempt to fight fake news
- Parent Facebook has been the subject of global scrutiny over its role in the spread of fake news and disinformation
Facebook’s WhatsApp messaging service has begun to globally restrict the number of people a message can be forwarded to, in an attempt to fight fake and misleading information from going viral on its platform.
The app tested limiting forwarding in India last summer, to five recipients or groups, as rumours and fake videos spread rapidly on its network that were subsequently linked to violence in the country.
“Starting today, WhatsApp will be implementing this change globally,” a spokeswoman said in a statement on Monday. “This will continue help keep WhatsApp focused on private messaging with close contacts.”
WhatsApp said the forwarding limit significantly reduced forwarded messages around the world, and that it would continue to evaluate the effects of the changes.
The company’s parent, Facebook, has been the subject of global scrutiny over its role in the spread of fake news and disinformation over the past year in particular.