WhatsApp is attempting to stem the rapid spread of misinformation about the Covid-19 outbreak by placing limits on the number of times a "highly forwarded" message can be shared at once.

WhatsApp limits forwarding function for viral messages

As of April 8, 2020, a message received by a person on WhatsApp that has already been forwarded at least five times can now only be passed on to one chat at a time.

In 2018, a user could share a forwarded message to 250 groups at once.

By 2019, the limit was reduced to five groups at a time.

However, a user could theoretically still forward the same message to individuals or groups one at a time.

According to a blog post by WhatsApp, there has been a significant increase in messages getting forwarded of late, which users have given feedback that the huge influx of forwarded messages "can feel overwhelming and can contribute to the spread of misinformation".

Possible built-in fact-checking tool on WhatsApp in near future

WhatsApp is also working on an additional feature that would allow users to take a message they've received and quickly search the web to check the validity of the message's content, CNN Business reported.

The company shared with TechCrunch last month some screenshots of the feature in development, which shows a magnifying glass symbol appears next to a message.

By clicking on it, the user is taken to a related Google search.

WhatsApp seems to have added a search icon next to Forwarded messages to directly search with the content of the forward on Google - fake messages that have been called out, usually show up on top.

Decent move. pic.twitter.com/u0DFnaj2Bi

— SG (@shrinivassg) March 21, 2020

A WhatsApp spokesperson told CNN Business that the feature is still being tested.

Widespread fake news about Covid-19 in S'pore on WhatsApp chat groups

The measures taken by WhatsApp may help to combat the spread of fake news related to Covid-19 locally.

The increased anxiety among Singaporeans over the pandemic has led to unverified and false information being circulated online and in closed WhatsApp and telegram groups.

On April 1, 2020, an April's Fool prank went viral among WhatsApp groups on the platform, with people spreading a PDF file titled "MOH Lockdown Notification...".

On April 3, 2020, a fake SGH letter stating that PM Lee Hsien Loong had contracted Covid-19 was also widely spread across chat groups.

Government ministries have urged people to avoid spreading misinformation, and share only information from verified sources.

Communications and Information Minister S Iswaran, said on March 26 regarding false rumours:

"Such false information is completely irresponsible, and it just serves to raise the level of anxiety, and cause fear and panic in our population. We want to urge everyone to resist from sharing such information.

There are some legitimate sources where you can get accurate, reliable and timely information. This is on the MOH website, on the Gov.sg website and there is also the WhatsApp service - Gov.sg.

We hope that everyone would exercise prudence in sharing information and verifying the source and the truthfulness of it, before sharing with their loved ones and friends."

Image credit: Arun Sankar/Agence France-Presse via Getty Images

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