WhatsApp is playing its part in curtailing the spread of Fake News

As coronavirus continues to redefine the world as we’ve known it, one of the key tools of misinformation has been instant messaging platform, WhatsApp. The platform owned by Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg has, however, come up with a soft measure designed to slow the spread of news.

Starting today, messages identified as “highly forwarded” — sent through a chain of five or more people — can only be forwarded to a single person. The move is designed to reduce the speed with which information moves through WhatsApp, putting truth and fiction on a more even footing.

In a statement, it said;

“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 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 personal conversation.”

Hopefully, this could go a long way in deterring parents from sending those annoying broadcasts.