WhatsApp launches message limit to curb COVID-19 misinformation

Tuesday, 7 April 2020 12:50

WhatsApp has placed new limits on forwarding of messages to help slow down misinformation on COVID-19.

It explained through a blog post that messages identified as "highly forwarded" can only be shared to one chat a time.

"We believe it's important to slow the spread of these messages down to keep WhatsApp a place for personal conversation," the statement said.

WhatsApp, which has more than 2 billion users worldwide, said the new limit was in place indefinitely.

These are efforts undertaken to curb a spike in inaccurate medical advice being shared on the platform since the start of the coronavirus crisis.

Globally, the coronavirus has infected more than 1,305,000 people and killed over 74,000.

More from International News

Japan's record rains strand thousands at Narita airport; kill eight

Record rainfall in Japan stranded thousands of travellers at Tokyo's Narita airport on Friday, bringing floods to the surrounding area that disrupted transport, knocked out power to 20,000 homes and killed eight.
Air India A320 briefly lost key flight controls, Airbus analysis shows

An Air India Airbus dropped about 300 feet this month, injuring 24 people on board, after the aircraft registered a loss of hydraulic pressure that briefly left key flight controls unresponsive, according to a preliminary Airbus analysis reviewed by Reuters.
Philippine president says he has yet to decide who to back as successor

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr confirmed on Friday that he would endorse a candidate for the 2028 presidential election, but said he had yet to decide who he would back.
Wildfire descends on Croatian tourist town, injures 36

A wildfire in Croatia driven by strong winds descended on the tourist town of Omis overnight, engulfing houses, forcing about 1,000 people to evacuate and injuring dozens, fire brigade and health officials said on Friday.