Covid-19: WhatsApp limits message forwarding to slow spread of coronavirus misinformation


WhatsApp, which has more than two billion users worldwide, said in a blog post it made the change after observing a 'significant increase' in the number of forwards since the start of the coronavirus crisis. — Reuters

SAN FRANCISCO: Facebook Inc's WhatsApp tightened message forwarding limits on Tuesday, restricting users to sharing forwarded content one chat at a time after a jump in messages touting bogus medical advice since the start of the coronavirus crisis.

The pandemic, which has killed more than 70,000 people worldwide, has been accompanied by what the World Health Organisation (WHO) has called an "infodemic" of misinformation, prompting governments and other authorities to urge social media companies to do more to combat the problem.

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

Is your apartment nice enough for this home-swapping app?
Iranians struggle as Internet shutdown hits livelihoods
Social media giants face landmark trial over addiction claims
This AI tool is going viral. Five ways people are using it.
Korea kicks off AI Squid Game in bid to compete with US, China
What weather apps sometimes miss about dangerous winter storm conditions
Sleep-tracking devices have limits. Experts want users to know what they are
Exploring the frontiers of nuclear and battery technology in 2026
Samsung to start production of HBM4 chips next month for Nvidia supply, source says
Netflix wants to show you more TikTok-style vertical clips in its app

Others Also Read