WHATSAPP is preventing users from forwarding certain types of messages in a move that is actually designed to make the platform safer.
The popular app will stop people from sending on viral messages to groups too quickly.
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With more than 2billion users globally, the shock change could effectively block millions of texts, but there’s good reason.
WhatsApp is worried about the continued spread of fake news and scams, especially since the pandemic.
Forwarding allows those spreading misinformation to distribute it super fast, so a limit makes sense.
The Meta-owned platform had already started forwarding limits in Brazil, but it now looks like the same will be applied globally.
This latest step applies specifically to already forwarded messages sent to groups.
You’ll only be able to send it to one group at a time.
If you’re the person who started the message before it goes viral, there’s no limit.
WhatsApp had already began testing the change on Android last month.
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The latest leaked screenshots suggest it is now being rolled out to beta testers on iOS as well.
According to WABetaInfo, the app is “planning to release the new limitation to more people in the coming weeks”.
As with any beta, WhatsApp bosses could well decide not to introduce the feature to the general public, but expanded testing on iOS suggests they are at least looking seriously at it to combat fake news.
The shift doesn’t completely stop widespread forwarding of course, it just slows them down – so a scammer can still try it on but will take them a lot longer.
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This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
