WhatsApp limits message forwards to one chat at a time

• WhatsApp will now allow users to forward a message to only one chat at a time.
• This has been done to prevent the spread of misinformation during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Facebook-owned WhatsApp has imposed additional restrictions on how frequently a particular message can be forwarded. The popular messaging app has said that any message that has been forwarded five times or more will now face a new limit and the user will be prevented from sending the message to more than one chat at a time.

The restrictions have been imposed to control the spread of fake news during the Coronavirus pandemic. The limit will kick in when a message has been previously forwarded five times or more. While you will still be able to send the message to as many people as you like, you will have to do it one chat at a time. This will likely reduce the number of times a message is forwarded.

Earlier, there were no limits on how many times a message can be forwarded. However, to fight the spread of fake news, this was reduced to five chats at once and now, the app has reduced the limits to one chat at a time.

In its blogpost, WhatsApp has said, “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 organize public moments of support for frontline health workers.

However, we’ve 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 it’s important to slow the spread of these messages down to keep WhatsApp a place for personal conversation..”

WhatsApp has said that the new change will be rolled out to all countries today.

WhatsApp had announced forward limiting last year

Messages that have been forwarded currently have a ‘Forwarded tag’ with double arrows symbol to inform the recipients that the message is a forward. The company had last year announced that it is testing forward limiting in India.

See also:
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ICICI Bank launched WhatsApp banking services amid the Coronavirus lockdown
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