Meta-owned popular messaging platform, WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new limit for sharing forwarded messages in group chats to restrict users from spreading fake news and misinformation.
According to the statement, the new development has been spotted in beta testing on both Android and iOS and is intended to prevent users from sending forwarded messages to not more than one group chat at a time.
Forwarded messages have often been considered as a primary source to spread fake news and misinformation. It is important that the limitation will only apply to messages that are already forwarded by users. This means that it will not impact the messages that you have sent on the app, as per the reports.
WhatsApp for iOS beta version 22.7.0.76 includes the limitation that prevents users from sending forwarded messages to not more than one group chat at a time.
In addition to iOS, WhatsApp is said to be testing the new forwarded message limitation on Android. It was first spotted on WhatsApp for Android beta version 2.22.7.2. The restriction is also said to be in place for users on WhatsApp for Android beta 2.22.8.11.
In 2020, WhatsApp reduced the count of allowing the sharing of frequently forwarded messages to one chat at a time to reduce misleading information on its platform.
Furthermore, WhatsApp has been spotted introducing a dedicated Communities tab that would replace the existing Camera tab on iOS. The messaging app is also seen testing an updated camera interface for Android users.
Related: Google adds new label to Search & News section to combat fake information
