WhatsApp Message Forwarding Limit Officially Rolled Out for Indian Users
For curbing the spread of fake news, WhatsApp has officially rolled out a limitation of up to 5 chats on the forward messages in India.
With the number of fake news reportedly increasing on WhatsApp, the company has now officially imposed a limit on the forwarding of messages on its platform. The company has rolled out this limit after the Indian government asked the Facebook-owned company to take necessary measure to curb the spread of fake news. Previously, the Indian government talked strictly about WhatsApp's failure to keep a check on fake news and proactive steps to control the same on its platform. WhatsApp Officially Rolls Out forward Message Limit For Indian Users.
The instant messaging service on Wednesday officially rolled out forward message limit to five chats more than 200 million active users in the country. Last month, WhatsApp announced that it would be testing the limit message forwarding to five chats only for the Indian users as a step to curb spreading of fake news. The company in a statement mentioned that "The limit has started to appear this week for people in India who are on the current version of WhatsApp."
Moreover, the Facebook-owned instant messaging platform also published a new video for educating the Indian users. It also stated that it is expanding its user education campaign for spotting fake news as well as hoaxes.
The company also said that "This week, WhatsApp is publishing a new video that explains the importance of the 'forward' label and calls users to 'double check the facts when you're not sure who created the original message." Indian Railways WhatsApp Helpline Number Receives More Forwards and Friendship Day Messages Than Complaints.
People use WhatsApp for forwarding messages, photos, videos and contacts in the country more than any other country across the globe. The global users are allowed to send messages for up to 20 chats either individual or groups.
The company has also stated that it will continue to evaluate the new changes and will aim to keep WhatsApp the way it was designed as a private messaging app. In an earlier statement, the company mentioned that "We are deeply committed to your safety and privacy which is why WhatsApp is end-to-end encrypted, and we'll continue to improve our app with features like this one." WhatsApp Business App: Now Businesses to Be Charged for Sending Marketing Messages.
On the other hand, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) stated that instead of blocking mobile applications, the government should look for better and practical steps for curbing fake news and maintaining public order.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 09, 2018 10:56 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).