WhatsApp launches message limit to curb COVID-19 misinformation

Tuesday, 7 April 2020 12:50

WhatsApp has placed new limits on forwarding of messages to help slow down misinformation on COVID-19.

It explained through a blog post that messages identified as "highly forwarded" can only be shared to one chat a time.

"We believe it's important to slow the spread of these messages down to keep WhatsApp a place for personal conversation," the statement said.

WhatsApp, which has more than 2 billion users worldwide, said the new limit was in place indefinitely.

These are efforts undertaken to curb a spike in inaccurate medical advice being shared on the platform since the start of the coronavirus crisis.

Globally, the coronavirus has infected more than 1,305,000 people and killed over 74,000.

More from International

8 Israeli airstrikes hit Syria's Abu al-Duhur airbase, state TV reports

Eight Israeli airstrikes have hit the Abu al-Duhur military airbase in northwestern Syria early on Tuesday, targeting the runway and storage facilities, Syria's state-run Ekhbariya said, citing a military source.
Two killed in high school shooting in southern Philippines, officials say

Two students were killed in a shooting at a high school in the southern Philippines on Tuesday, one of them the gunman, and the situation was now under control, officials said, in the second such incident in the country in less than two months.
Pakistan top court orders ex-PM Imran Khan be moved to hospital from jail

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ordered on Tuesday that former Prime Minister Imran Khan be moved to hospital from jail, his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party said, meeting a longstanding demand of his party and family, who had raised concerns about his health.
Russian missile attack kills 10 in Ukraine's Kharkiv region, governor says

A Russian missile attack has killed 10 people and injured a further eight in a village in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region, the regional governor said on Tuesday.
Trump says Iran won't make deal he thinks is needed

President Donald Trump said on Monday Iran would not make the deal he thinks is needed to end a war with the US and should surrender as talks between the countries remained stalled.