WhatsApp To Further Limit Forwarded Messages

These are trying times and WhatsApp, the Facebook owned messaging service wants to help prevent the spread of misinformation. According to its recent blog post,the company wants to further limit the number of people that users can forward messages to at any given time.

The messaging service said that it received feedback from users regarding the increase in forwarded messages recently and that this could feel overwhelming and lead to the spread of misinformation. Previously, the company had already set a limit on forwarded messages.

This was done in light of several incidents that took place last year including the lynching of people in India due to the forwarding of misinformation. WhatsApp’s latest move aims to curb the need to forward unverified news and information about COVID-19.

In addition to this, the company is also working with NGOs and governments, World Health Organization and over 20 health ministries to help connect people with accurate information. These same authorizes have already sent hundreds of millions of messages to people requiring information and advice.

Apple’s COVID-19 information tool is available as an App

When it comes to guidance and health related data, it is best to trust information disseminated by credible sources. Users can also do their part by submitting potential myths, hoaxes and rumors to fact checking organizations.

WhatsApp has also published a Coronavirus Information Hub that provide users with tips on staying connected and practice responsible behavior when forwarding information. Recently, Apple launched an App and website that act as screening tools for those worried about contracting COVID-19.

These are just some of the ways that tech companies are getting involved to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure that credible information is past on to their users. It’s also imperative that we, the people, practice social distancing and do our part to stop the spread of misinformation.