Frequently sent Whatsapp texts can be forwarded only once now

nNEWDELHI: A Whatsapp user will be allowed to send a frequently forwarded message to just one chat at a time, the popular messaging platform said on Tuesday, rolling out a new feature that it hoped will help slow the spread of misinformation.

The latest limit will kick in for messages that have been forwarded five times or more, Whatsapp said in a press release. Such messages feature a double arrow on top of them.

The announcement comes in the backdrop of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic and a flurry of messages making unverified claims, including that of cures, related to the viral infection on the platform.

The Facebook-owned company also said it was also exploring ways to “empower users to find out more information around these kind of messages”.

“That idea involves displaying a magnifying glass icon next to these frequently forwarded messages, giving users the option to send that message to a web search where they can find news results or other sources of information,” it said, reiterating that this feature was in testing stage.

In January 2019, the messaging app rolled out a feature limiting forwards for users across the world to five chats at a time, while it also removed the quick forward button that was displayed next to media messages. “We ban two million accounts per month for attempting to send bulk or automated messages,” Whatsapp, which has about 2bn users, said.

Firm also said it launched the WHO Coronavirus Health Alert service to give “prompt, reliable and official information to people within 24 hours, worldwide”. And for India, it said it launched the Mygov Corona Helpdesk on the platform in partnership with the central government.

COMPANY SAID IT WAS ALSO EXPLORING WAYS TO “EMPOWER USERS TO FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION AROUND THESE MESSAGES”