MOSCOW: The WhatsApp app has announced a strict new policy to limit message forwarding on the app to curb the spread of fake information about the coronavirus.
The company in a post said, “We have 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 a personal conversation.”
According to the statement, these messages come with a double arrow on top which means they have already be sent at least five times. The company stated that it would directly deal with governments to help connect users with accurate information.
WhatsApp along with its parent Facebook has been scrambling to curb an explosion of rumors and lies about the coronavirus and at the same time is seeking to promote verified content. With more than a billion users worldwide, WhatsApp has become a key source of information and communication during the pandemic.
Read more: WHO creates automated WhatsApp number for COVID-19 information
