WhatsApp finally cracks down on message forwarding to stop misinformation

WhatsApp
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

WhatsApp has announced new limitations on message forwarding, specifically intended to stop the spread of misinformation about coronavirus.

The new rule applies specifically to 'frequently forwarded messages', which have been forwarded more than five times and are identified with a double arrow icon.

This isn't the first time WhatsApp has stepped in to stem the flow of misinformation; in January 2019, it imposed a rule that messages could only be forwarded to five different users or groups. However, it's now decided that this didn't go far enough and has tightened the reins further still.

The latest WhatsApp beta has revealed that the company is also working on a new tool that will make it easier to fact-check messages you receive. A magnifying glass icon beside forwarded messages will allow you to search for their contents online, which should quickly debunk anything less than truthful.

Tightening the rules

WhatsApp says it bans two million accounts a month for attempting to spam users with bulk or automated messages, and is working directly with governments and non-government organizations (such as the World Health Organization) to share accurate, useful information.

Last month WhatsApp unveiled a new coronavirus fact hub in association with the WHO, intended as a one-stop shop for facts about the virus. It includes practical advice on hand hygiene and social distancing, as well as tips for avoiding spreading false information on social media, and always thinking twice before forwarding a message.

The company stresses the importance of checking that coronavirus-related stories and information you share are accurate, suggesting that you verify facts with official sources or fact checkers. The advice is: "If you aren't sure something's true, don't forward it."

Looking for a business grade WhatsApp alternative? Unlimited phone calls, audio meetings, video conferencing & internet fax, for as little as $34.99 per user per month

Looking for a business grade WhatsApp alternative? Unlimited phone calls, audio meetings, video conferencing & internet fax, for as little as $34.99 per user per month
This is an all-in-one, cloud-based phone, team messaging, video conferencing that is easy to use and feature a transparent, all inclusive pricing with free 24/7 support. You get a 14-day trial without hidden costs and with an instant activation. US/Canada users get unlimited phone calls and unlimited SMS/MMS as well.

TOPICS
Cat Ellis
Homes Editor

Cat is TechRadar's Homes Editor specializing in kitchen appliances and smart home technology. She's been a tech journalist for 15 years, and is here to help you choose the right devices for your home and do more with them. When not working she's a keen home baker, and makes a pretty mean macaron.

Latest in Websites & Apps
Twitter social media application change logo to X. Elon Musk CEO of twitter rebranded Twitter to 'X'. Social media application technology concept.
X is down again – Elon Musk confirms 'massive cyberattack' as former Twitter site hit by fourth outage today
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Tuesday, March 11 (game #1142)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Tuesday, March 11 (game #373)
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Monday, March 10 (game #1141)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Monday, March 10 (game #372)
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Sunday, March 9 (game #1140)
Latest in News
TCL QM7K TV on orange background
TCL’s big, bright new mid-range mini-LED TVs have built-in Bang & Olufsen sound
Homepage of Manus, a new Chinese artificial intelligence agent capable of handling complex, real-world tasks, is seen on the screen of an iPhone.
Manus AI may be the new DeepSeek, but initial users report problems
Google Maps
Nightmare Google Maps glitch is deleting timelines, and there isn't a fix yet
Twitter social media application change logo to X. Elon Musk CEO of twitter rebranded Twitter to 'X'. Social media application technology concept.
X is down again – Elon Musk confirms 'massive cyberattack' as former Twitter site hit by fourth outage today
Joe Goldberg and Kate Lockwood sitting at a table and looking at the camera in You season 5.
Netflix releases a killer new trailer for You season 5 but my favorite character is missing from Joe's final chapter
Person using Dyson V8 vacuum
Dyson vacuums have one big problem and I don't understand why