COVID-19: WhatsApp Reduces Forward Message Limit (See How Many You Can Share)

In an effort to intensify the regulations of spreading fake news during this global crisis of coronavirus pandemic, WhatsApp has limited the number of messages users can forward at a go.

Millions of people are relying on WhatsApp to communicate with their friends and family since they can not reach them in person due to the novel COVID-19. Many people are talking to doctors, teachers, and isolated loved ones via WhatsApp during this outbreak.

Thus, WhatsApp has made messages and calls to be an end-to-end encrypted by default, making it as an avenue to secure personal conversations.

In 2019, WhatsApp introduced users to the concept of messages that have been forwarded many times. These messages are labelled with double arrows to indicate they did not originate from close contact. In effect, these messages are less personal compared to typical messages sent on WhatsApp.

In a press release on Tuesday, WhatsApp disclosed that ”We are now introducing a limit so that these messages can only be forwarded to one chat at a time.”

Speaking further on the new development on WhatsApp forward message, the private messaging service said, they have taken several steps over the years to help keep conversations intimate. The company said it has previously set limits on forwarded messages to restrain virality. At the time, a total decrease of 25% total message forwards globally was recorded.

”Is all forwarding bad? Certainly not. We know many users forward helpful information, as well as funny videos, memes, and reflections or prayers they find meaningful. In recent weeks, people have also used WhatsApp to organize public moments of support for frontline health workers.

”However, we’ve recently 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.”

Read: How to save WhatsApp Status On Your Phone

According to WhatsApp, we are working directly with NGOs and governments, including the World Health Organization and over 20 national health ministries, to help connect people with accurate information. Together these trusted authorities have sent hundreds of millions of messages directly to people requesting information and advice.

”We believe that now more than ever people need to be able to connect privately. Our teams are hard at work to keep WhatsApp running reliably during this unprecedented global crisis. We’ll continue to listen to your feedback and improve ways for people to share with each other on WhatsApp,” the private message service said.