WhatsApp To Limit Message Forwarding

WhatsApp says it's limiting the number of times a message can be forwarded.

The app already lets users know if a message has been forwarded many times, using double arrows to indicate it didn't come from a close contact.

It's now limiting people’s ability to share messages that are seen as 'highly forwarded' from five to just one chat at a time.

This applies to both individual and group chats.

It says it hopes the change will reduce the spread of viral messages.

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The Facebook-owned company explains: "We know many users forward helpful information, as well as funny videos, memes, and reflections or prayers they find meaningful.

"In recent weeks, people have also used WhatsApp to organise public moments of support for frontline health workers.

"However, we’ve seen a significant increase in the amount of forwarding which users have told us can feel overwhelming and can contribute to the spread of misinformation.

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