WhatsApp limits message forwarding to fight 'fake news'

January 22, 2019 08:58

Mobile messaging platform WhatsApp has announced it was restricting how many times any given message can be forwarded in an effort to boost privacy and security.

In July, WhatsApp rolled out safeguards in India that included limiting the number of users to whom a message can be forwarded.

It also ran newspaper ads to raise awareness about fake news.

WhatsApp said its latest move to extend the restrictions to all users came after a six-month review of user feedback.

'The forward limit significantly reduced forwarded messages around the world,' read a company statement on Monday.

'Starting today, all users on the latest versions of WhatsApp can now forward to only five chats at once, which will help keep WhatsApp focused on private messaging with close contacts.'

Previously, users could forward any given message up to 20 times on the app.

'We'll continue to listen to user feedback about their experience, and over time, look for new ways of addressing viral content,' the WhatsApp statement read. -- Agencies

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

Molestation charge filed against Bengal guv

Senior police officials said they received a complaint and are looking into it.

Intense heat sweeps east, south; more heat wave days likely in May

Intense heat swept through east India and parts of the southern peninsular region on Thursday, testing power grids and prompting the Kerala government to order closure of educational institutions till May 6.

Cummins hails Bhuvi's last-ball heroics

Defending 12 in the final over, Bhuvneshwar trapped Rovman Powell in front of the wicket in the last ball to stop Rajasthan Royal's run chase at 200 for 7 and pull off a heist in the end.

'Game never done till it's done': Samson rues loss

Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson said that even while it seemed his side was cruising to victory he was not certain they would get over the line given the unpredictable nature of the league.

In Pictures - SRH seal dramatic win, edge past RR by 1 run

IMAGES from the IPL match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals played in Hyderabad on Thursday