Fake news and misinformation are being published on social media about coronavirus. The technology companies took various initiatives to stop the spreading of fake news about COVID-19. WhatsApp has announced a new ban on users that will completely change the experience of using WhatsApp messenger.
WhatsApp has limits message forwarding to prevent the spread of fake and misconceptions about the Coronavirus outbreak. In new update WhatsApp is going to test a new feature in which it is going to impose limit on message forward.
WhatsApp official statement:
“We’ll also test a lower limit of 5 chats at once and we’ll remove the quick forward button next to media messages.”
Last year, the WhatsApp banned sending a message up to 5 individual chats. While this restriction may not be possible to prevent the message from spreading out wide. But, it is a significant change that will change the experience of using this app. Most people forward a message as they receive. So, this limit will lower the spread of fake messages.
As last year WhatsApp introduced the concept of forwarded messages for users. This move indicates two arrows on the message and the label of forwarding above indicates that the sender did not write it himself. The company is now going to introduce a limit in which the forward message will only be sent to one chat at a time.
According to the statement, is the message forward wrong? Certainly not. We have seen a significant increase in forwarded messages in recent days, which can leave consumers feeling overwhelmed and even spreading misinformation. We believe it is important to keep these messages low in order to protect the WhatsApp for personal interaction.
Because of the end-to-end encryption in WhatsApp, the company is unable to view the content of messages sent on the platform and it is difficult to prevent harmful messages, instead the limit for forward messages has been created.
The company said that in addition to this new change, we are also working directly with welfare agencies and governments, including the World Health Organization and the Health Ministries of more than 20 countries to help connect people with the right information.
Working closely with these trusted authorities, we have sent millions of messages based on useful information and safety guidelines. You can find out more about these efforts, as well as submit anonymous information and rumors to the Corona Virus Information Hub at fact-checking agencies.
Increase in Usage:
According to a WhatsApp statement, due to coronavirus the use of the WhatsApp has increased significantly. People are forwarding a large number of messages and making the spread of false information even faster.
Due to coronavirus, billions of people are now relying on the WhatsApp more than ever to keep up with their loved ones. During this crisis, people are now connected to doctors, teachers, and loved ones living alone.
WhatsApp introduces the WhatsApp Coronavirus patch on its website to help more people access authentic information about the Coronavirus. Where people have access to accurate information about the rapidly spreading epidemic worldwide.
The Coronavirus information feature introduced by the WhatsApp has been presented not only with the support of global healthcare organizations. But also by the messaging application to ensure accurate information delivery in this feature.
To provide accurate information to millions of WhatsApp users, the World Health Organization has also introduced a Health Alert or Chatbot that provides statistics, answers to various questions and other information.
For this purpose, save this number (+41 79 893 1892) on your contact list. After that open WhatsApp messenger and send hi message on it. You will receive a message in which you can access the statistics and information by using various emoji.
Expectations:
WhatsApp is hoping the change will help in slowing down the spread of vial but misinformation messages. As, rumors spread across the UK, that 5G is caucusing the spread of coronavirus. So, the people burned so many mobile phone towers just because of this fake forwarded messages.
