WhatsApp’s move to restrict message forwarding appears to be having an effect. 70 percent fewer messages have been sent to contacts since the beginning of April.
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In response to the increased Forwarding messages Since the beginning of the corona crisis, Facebook’s messenger service WhatsApp has limited the number of contacts to which a user can send messages to a chat. Previously, users could forward messages to five contacts. This promoted the spread of fake news and disinformation, which can have devastating effects on people’s lives, especially in times of the corona pandemic. The restriction measure now seems to be beginning to take effect. In a statement opposite Forbes announced WhatsApp:
Since putting into place this new limit, globally there has been a 70% reduction in the number of highly forwarded messages sent on WhatsApp. This change is helping keep WhatsApp a place for personal and private conversations.
About the Coronavirus WhatsApp works with WHO
Worldwide use over two billion people use Messenger. Due to the high number of users, fake news and disinformation can be spread more quickly and easily via WhatsApp. A persistent rumor shows that this can have negative effects on health in times of the corona pandemic. Among other things, it was spread via WhatsApp that the Drinking bleach can fight the virus. Since this is not only wrong, but also life-threatening, the message has already been banned from all platforms. The restriction of the forwarding should also counteract the spreading of such false information.
To provide WhatsApp users with reliable information about the corona virus, the messenger service works with the World Health Organization (WHO) and over 50 other NGOs. WhatsApp also offers one Information website where companies can also find out about the development of the pandemic.
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