To tackle Fake News, WhatsApp to introduce feature to restrict forwards to not more than 5 chats

July 20, 2018:

On Friday, WhatsApp stated that its users in India will not be allowed to forward more than five chats at once and Company will remove quick forward button that appears next to media messages, as part of its efforts to reduce circulation of fake messages on platform that have even incited mob lynching incidents.

WhatsApp noted that its users in India "forward more messages, photos, and videos, than any other country in the world".

has over one billion users globally, of which over 200 million are in India.

It further added that,"Today, we're launching a test to limit forwarding that will apply to everyone using WhatsApp. In India... we'll also test a lower limit of five chats at once and we'll remove the quick forward button next to media messages".

WhatsApp has received flak from Indian Government over fake news and false information being circulated on its messaging platform. Such messages have incited mob-fury, triggering multiple cases of lynching across the country.

On Thursday, the government shot off a second notice to WhatsApp asking it to come out with effective solutions to curb the menace of fake news beyond just labelling forwards.

It warned WhatsApp that mediums used for propagation of rumours are liable to be treated as 'abettors' and can face legal consequences if they remain "mute spectators".

Source Tribune