The popular message application WhatsApp has now limited its users worldwide to only being able to forward a message up to 5 times. This decision is an attempt to cut down the distribution of misinformation.
In a blog Facebook-owned WhatsApp said: "Today, we're launching a test to limit forwarding that will apply to everyone using WhatsApp. In India - where people forward more messages, photos, and videos than any other country in the world - we'll also test a lower limit of 5 chats at once and we'll remove the quick forward button next to media messages."
Previously, a user had been able to forward a message to up to 20 groups or individuals; the new feature is believed to be an expansion of a measure that the company put in place in India in July 2018 after the spread of fake news and rumours through their platform led to killings and lynching attempts.
WhatsApp's Vice President for Policy and Communication, Victoria Grand, said: "We are imposing a limit of five messages all over the world as of today (Monday)".
WhatsApp Source: AAP Image/Yui Mok/PA Wire
With 1.5 billion users around the world, WhatsApp has been trying to find ways to stop misinformation being spread through its platform after manipulated photos, fake news, videos and audio hoaxes in India and other parts of the globe were sent through the application.
WhatsApp server down, leaving users unable to chat
WhatsApp went down around the world early Wednesday morning with thousands of users complaining about having a problem with the application.
According to the website Down Detector, WhatsApp crashed shortly after 5 am on Wednesday morning.
Users in South America, North America and Europe reported problems receiving and sending messages. However, it did not appear to affect all users.
The issue was resolved about 90 minutes after receiving the first complaints from users.
