WhatsApp Inc., out of global concern that the platform was being used to spread fake news, manipulated photos, and audio hoaxes is now limiting the number of times a user can forward a message.
The platform can now allow up to five, forwarded messages besides which the message won’t be forwarded.
The initiative, the company executives hope will help fight “misinformation and rumours”.
“We’re imposing a limit of five messages all over the world as of today,” Victoria Grand, Vice President for Policy and Communications at WhatsApp, said at an event.
WhatsApp will roll out an update to activate the new forward limit, starting Monday, January 21, 2018.
According to the company, the update will first feature on Android, then to Apple’s iOS.
A WhatsApp user could previously forward a message to 20 individuals or groups, however with the five-recipient limit WhatsApp it will help stop misuse of the app.
By:StephanieHorsu/techvoiceafrica.com
