WhatsApp is apparently working on new restrictions on forwarding messages to other group chats in its iOS app. This change could help curb the spread of misinformation.
Social media platforms are known to be a breeding ground for the spread of spam and misinformation as it can be easily shared with other users. In an attempt to curb the spread of misinformation, WhatsApp is testing the limits on how messages can be shared. As WABetaInfo reports, the beta version of WhatsApp for iOS now has a feature that limits the reach of forwarded messages. While users can forward a message to a group chat once in the beta version, the same message cannot be forwarded to additional group chats. A screenshot in the app reads:
WhatsApp wants to further limit the spread of spam and misinformation
Forwarded messages can only be sent to a group chat.
The report adds that this restriction only applies to messages that have already been forwarded. This means that the original author of the message can still forward the original message to other users without the same restriction applying.
While the feature is included in the beta version of the messaging app, it's unknown when it will be rolled out to the public version. However, as the feature expands to more beta users in the coming weeks, it could soon be available to everyone. Misinformation is a problem that tech companies have been trying to combat for years and has also caught the attention of lawmakers. (Photo by DenPhoto / Bigstockphoto)
