With coronavirus news being everywhere you look right now, it’s sometimes difficult to know what to trust.
For many of us, a lot of information is forwarded over WhatsApp by our friends. In fact, two billion of us use the app. However, the Facebook-owned app is taking a stand to try and combat fake news by limiting the amount of times a single message can be forwarded.
In a blog post, WhatsApp has revealed that users will soon only be able to forward messages on to one chat at a time, Metro reports.
Currently, a message that has been frequently forwarded could be sent on to up to five chats at the same time. This will no longer be the case.
The blog post reads: “As a private messaging service, weve taken several steps over the years to help keep conversations intimate. For example, we previously set limits on forwarded messages to constrain virality, which led to a 25% decrease in message forwards globally at the time,
“Is all forwarding bad? Certainly not. We know many users forward helpful information, as well as funny videos, memes, and reflections or prayers they find meaningful. In recent weeks, people have also used WhatsApp to organise public moments of support for frontline health workers,
“However, weve seen a significant increase in the amount of forwarding which users have told us can feel overwhelming and can contribute to the spread of misinformation. We believe its important to slow the spread of these messages down to keep WhatsApp a place for personal conversation.”
WhatsApp is working with NGOs, the World Health Organisation, and governments around the globe to combat false information.
The app has a Coronavirus Information Hub where you can find up-to-date information, and other interesting tidbits.
Look after yourselves out there.
Featured image credit: WhatsApp