WhatsApp limits message forwards in attempt to fight fake news


  • TECH
  • Tuesday, 22 Jan 2019

(FILES) In this file photo taken on March 22, 2018 This photo illustration shows Whatsapp logos on a screen in Kuala Lumpur. - Facebook-owned mobile messaging platform WhatsApp announced on January 21, 2019 it was restricting how many times any given message can be forwarded in an effort to boost privacy and security. (Photo by Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP)

Facebook Inc’s WhatsApp messaging service has begun to globally restrict the number of people a message can be forwarded to, in an attempt to fight fake and misleading information from going viral on its platform. 

The app tested limiting forwarding in India last summer, to five recipients or groups, as rumors and fake videos spread rapidly on its network that were subsequently linked to violence in the country. 

Save 30% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 9.73/month

Billed as RM 9.73 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.63/month

Billed as RM 103.60 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Tech News

It’s not a product. This habit will be the biggest luxury of 2026
Apple spent years downplaying AI chatbots. Now Siri Is becoming one
US judge signals Musk's xAI may lose lawsuit accusing Altman's OpenAI of stealing trade secrets
Apple stole our revolutionary camera technology, British company claims in US district court lawsuit
Exclusive-Saks ending e-commerce partnership with Amazon, source says
Nvidia's plan to invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI has stalled, WSJ reports
Musk's Starlink updates privacy policy to allow consumer data to train AI
Google defeats bid for billions of dollars of new penalties in US privacy class action
Analysis-Combining SpaceX with xAI may be simple for Musk Inc, but Tesla isn't so easy
Thoma Bravo explores sale of identity software firm Imprivata, sources say

Others Also Read