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 news

1 dead as Typhoon Kalmaegi dumps heavy rains over central Philippines

At least one person was killed when Typhoon Kalmaegi hit the central Philippines on Tuesday, the national disaster agency said, as torrential rains, strong winds and storm surges forced tens of thousands to evacuate from their homes.
Saudi Crown Prince bin Salman to visit Trump in White House

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will be at the White House on November 18 for an official working visit with US President Donald Trump, a White House official said on Monday.
Man charged with 10 counts of attempted murder after knife attack on UK train

British police said a 32-year-old British man was on Monday charged with 10 counts of attempted murder over a knife attack on a train on Saturday, an incident officers had already said was not being treated as terrorism-related.
Tanzania's Hassan sworn into office after deadly election violence

Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn into office on Monday for her first elected term after winning a landslide victory in an election that set off deadly protests across the country.

UAE expresses solidarity with Afghanistan after 6.3 magnitude quake
The UAE has expressed its solidarity with Afghanistan over the victims of an earthquake that struck Mazar-e Sharif city in the northern region, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 people and hundreds injured.
UAE's Rashid Rover 2 heads to US for Moon mission prep
The Emirates Lunar Mission’s Rashid Rover 2 has completed its development and testing in the UAE and is now on its way to the United States for launch preparations.
UAE offers condolences to Kenya over landslide victims
The UAE has offered its sincere condolences and solidarity with Kenya over landslides caused by heavy rainfall in the west of the country that resulted in the deaths of at least 26 people.