Following global concerns that its platform was being used to spread fake news, WhatsApp has limited the number of times users can forward a message to five times.
Originally, there was no limit to the number of times users could forward messages to others, however, last year, the company reduced the number to 20, to limit the amount of information that goes viral on the app.
In India, WhatsApp’s largest market, the number was reduced to five following the deaths of several individuals as a result of false rumours spread via WhatsApp.
Starting today, the company is rolling out the new forward limit globally to curb the spread of fake news, audio hoaxes, manipulated photos and videos.
Android users will reportedly receive the update first. It’ll be available on iOS afterwards.
Jan. 18: Bonus Built in Africa episode: Town Hall meeting with Peter Salovey, President of Yale University
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