WhatsApp sets new restriction on forwarded messages to fight fake news

Along with the outbreak of COVID-19, there has also been an outbreak of fake news on social media. In order to control false information regarding the pandemic, WhatsApp has decided to limit the sharing of frequently-forwarded messages to one chat at a time.

In a blog posted on Tuesday (April 7), WhatsApp said, “We are now introducing a limit so that these messages can only be forwarded to one chat at a time.” It said it had witnessed a significant rise in the number of forward messages, which its users felt could contribute to the spread of misinformation.

The move comes as countries, including India, are initiating measures to tackle the spread of rumours, fake news and misinformation on all social-media platforms.

Last year, WhatsApp brought in a new feature of double arrows to indicate that the forward message did not originate from a close contact. It also restricted users from forwarding messages to more than five chats at once.

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The company, which has over 400 million users in India, said its previous steps of setting limits on forwarded messages to constrain virality had led to 25 per cent decrease in message forwards globally at a time.

With billions of people unable to see their friends and family in person due to COVID-19, people are relying on WhatsApp more than ever to communicate, WhatsApp said.

“People are talking to doctors, teachers, and isolated loved ones via WhatsApp during this crisis. Thats why all your messages and calls on WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted by default to give you a secure place for your most personal conversations,” it added.

WhatsApp said that in addition, it is also engaging directly with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and governments, including the World Health Organization and over 20 national health ministries, to help connect people with accurate information.

“Together, these trusted authorities have sent hundreds of millions of messages directly to people requesting information and advice,” it added. WhatsApp is also testing a feature that would display a small magnifying glass next to any frequently forwarded messages.

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Users will then be able to click that and be taken to a web search for the message, with the intention of letting them find articles that may debunk the message or shed further light on any claims found within it — and not forward them on if they find the message is not true.

In mid-March, even as many states had begun imposing curbs and movement restrictions to fight the spread of coronavirus, WhatsApp had rolled out Coronavirus Information Hub to provide simple, actionable guidance for health workers, educators, community leaders, non-profit entities, governments and local businesses that rely on the app to communicate.

Indian governments dedicated WhatsApp chatbot MyGov Corona Helpdesk, which aims to provide timely updates and help citizens clear their queries on COVID-19, has already garnered over 2 crore users.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24 announced a nationwide lockdown for 21 days in an unprecedented move to halt the spread of coronavirus, shortly after which the Centre said road, rail and air services will remain suspended during this period.

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As on April 7, the pandemic has claimed 114 lives in the country and the number of cases increased to 4,421 in India.

In the past, WhatsApp has faced flak from the government after a series of mob-lynching incidents, triggered by rumours circulating on WhatsApp, claimed lives.

Under pressure to stop rumours and fake news, WhatsApp had then restricted forwarding messages to five chats at once as well as removed the quick forward button for media messages in India. This feature was later extended globally.

WhatsApp, as part of its efforts, has been running campaigns, offering tips to users on how to spot misinformation.

However, WhatsApp has so far, resisted the governments demand for identifying message originators, arguing that such a move would undermine the end-to-end encryption and the private nature of the platform, creating potential for serious misuse.

(With inputs from agencies)