In its iOS messaging software, WhatsApp appears to be imposing new limits on the forwarding of messages to other group chats, which might help reduce the spread of false information.
Spam and disinformation are commonplace on social media sites, because to the ease with which they may be disseminated. WhatsApp, which is owned by Meta, is experimenting with limiting the distribution of communications in an apparent effort to combat false information.
WABetaInfo claims that the iOS beta of WhatsApp now contains a feature restricting the distance a forwarded message may travel. This feature was previously noticed in an Android app beta. While beta users can send a message to a group chat once, the same message can’t be shared to further groups.
“Forwarded messages may only be sent to one group chat” as stated in a snapshot of the app. Additionally, this restriction only applies to messages that have already been forwarded, meaning that the original message sender can continue to transmit the same message to other users without being constrained by this new restriction.
Spam and disinformation are commonplace on social media sites, because to the ease with which they may be disseminated. It appears that Meta-owned WhatsApp is testing limitations on the distribution of communications in an attempt to reduce disinformation.
WABetaInfo claims that the iOS beta of WhatsApp now features a feature restricting how far a forwarded message may go, which was previously spotted in an Android app beta. For the time being, participants participating in the beta test are allowed to forward messages just once to a group chat.
“Forwarded messages may only be sent to one group chat” as stated in a snapshot of the app. Forwarded messages are subject to a two-sentence limit, although the original message author can still send it on to additional recipients without a problem, according to the study.
WhatsApp’s beta version’s notification about forwarding restrictions. This information comes from WABetaInfo.
Although the functionality is already available in the messaging app’s beta, no word has been given on when it will be made available to the general public. As more test customers appear to be getting the new feature, it may soon become more widely available.
For years, internet corporations have worked to address the issue of misinformation, and policymakers have taken notice of it as well. To combat the spread of health-related disinformation on social media, senators sought to draught legislation in July 2021 to deprive social media corporations of Section 230 rights.