WhatsApp to Limit Message Forwarding for Stopping Spread of Fake News

Facebook-owned company WhatsApp is making new changes in order to curb the spread of fake new via its social messaging service. WhatsApp plans to limit message forwarding, making it harder for people to forward messages to larger groups. This decision has come after the Indian authorities sought curbs on the spread of rumours that have led to violent incidents in the country. WhatsApp Message Forwarding is a tool with which people forward each other messages without any authentication.

WhatsApp Message Forwarding-Steps to Combat False Information

Recently, Mob killing was triggered by false incendiary messages in India. WhatsApp’s biggest market, India with more than 200 million users, led to authorities calling for steps to prevent the circulation of false texts and provocative content. According to WhatsApp, Indians forward more messages, photos and videos than any other country in the world.

For India, WhatsApp will limit message forwarding to five chats at once and will remove the quick forward button next to media messages.

While Telling about the incident, WhatsApp spoked person said that:

“We’re horrified by the violence in India, and we’ve announced number of different product changes to help address these issues. “It’s a challenge which requires an action by civil society, government and tech companies.”

Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg said that the company would be updating its stance on fake news that perpetuates violence. Instead of simply trying to hide those posts on the service, as it does with other posts promoting false news, he said Facebook plans to take that kind of content down entirely.

Also Read: WhatsApp Steps to Combat False Information in Pakistan