WhatsApp has been trying all they could to curb the issue of spreading fake news most especially via broadcast and forward messages. It appears the solution is gradually rolling out.
Users of the instant messaging app will no longer be able to forward messages to more than 20 people.
WhatsApp had previously introduced the ‘forward message indicator’ few weeks ago in chats to make it clear when a user has received a forwarded message.
The move is said to be targeted at fighting the spread of fake news, but, in Nigeria, it really is a double-edged sword. Forwarding messages to 20 people still appears to be too much – Maximum of 5 should be okay.
More social networks and online platforms are said to be considering copying the move.
I don’t know how this move will curb the spread of “fake news” because for a serious minded person they could always repeat the process over and over again.
EXACTLY!
Nice one from whatsapp
Fake news can be simply ignored by the reader. Whatsapp should just indicate forwarded messages with red color or a kind of folder so one can only read it when he opened it.
Even the reader or whatsapp users can ignore like me normally do…but it’s a nice idea
To all those bc ambassador, abeg make ur number 21st ..
Someone go just wake up and send one Yeye bcm
Forward messages to 20 contacts an the 20 forward to another 20..how is this going to stop spreading of fake news.
This update is shit to me. Cos you can mark 20 contacts send BC to them, mark another 20 send the same BC till you exhaust all your contacts.
So, has it stopped the sending of fake news?
Nice but the number would have been reduced to 5
Prof. Pls I want to join your WhatsApp group. This is my number: 08109887515
Nice move but the 20 is still too much ?
WhatsApp and update 5&6. Una weldon
Nice one. this will help. but the still need to do more work.
Doing what they know how to do best.
This update no make sense at all
Not impressed
Yes, 20 seems to be too much. I ve 3 different Xup WhatsApp applications installed in my phone – – – YoWhatsApp, GBWhatsApp and main WhatsApp so I can still forward messages to 60 contacts
they should implement it fast. Nigerians like fake news