WhatsApp forwarding gains new restrictions to thwart misinformation.
A WhatsApp message that’s forwarded once can be further forwarded to 5 chats.
A repeatedly forwarded WhatsApp message can be sent to one other group at a time.
WhatsApp is introducing new features to not just add new functionalities but also to enhance the overall user experience. A key focus of the latter involves reducing the spread of misinformation. A new feature (spotted by WABetaInfo) or an update in the app would try to curtail the same. We are talking about a limit on the number of times a WhatsApp message can be forwarded in one go. It is 5 chats if the message you are forwarding has been previously forwarded once. On the other hand, if it has been repeatedly forwarded, you’ll get a prompt saying, “Forwarded messages can only be sent to one group chat.”
Here’s how it works:
New WhatsApp forwarding limits
Source: WABetaInfo
Currently, WhatsApp for iOS beta version 22.7.0.76 in select markets like Brazil is rolling out a barrier on bulk forwarding of messages in the app.
When you try to forward a message if it has been thus far forwarded just once, you can share it simultaneously to 5 more chats. However, if it is something that’s been shared multiple times then, WhatsApp will tell you that it can be sent to one group chat only.
This is presumed to be an initiative to restrict or control misinformation on the platform.
It would be a welcome change for the sake of dissemination of factual, if not good information within the instant messaging app. Yes, it would occasionally limit the freedom of forwarding a message to multiple groups of friends and family. But, it would be worth it if it manages to get misinformation in check.
In addition to this, the Meta-owned brand is working on a Communities feature that brings related groups together. It is not correctly known at the moment how this would work in reality. We have been told by WABetaInfo that it is more like group chat only but with square icons and a different layout to distinguish it from the regular WhatsApp groups.
We will know more about it in time when the feature is globally available.
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G. S. Vasan
Vasan is a word weaver and tech junkie who is currently geeking out as a news writer at Digit. View Full Profile
