London (CNN Business)

WhatsApp is trying to stem the rapid spread of coronavirus misinformation by placing new limits on the number of times a forwarded message can be shared simultaneously.

A message received by a person on the Facebook (FB)-owned platform that has already been forwarded five times can now only be passed on to one chat at a time.
The new limits are WhatsApp's strictest yet.

WhatsApp, like other text messaging platforms, has been used in recent months to spread messages that often contain a mixture of claims about the virus, some accurate and some that have been debunked by medical experts. The problem is now so acute that world leaders are urging people to stop sharing unverified information using the app.

Experts welcomed the tighter limit announced on Tuesday but said it still doesn't go far enough.

The platform is also working on a new feature that would allow users to take a message they've received and quickly search the web to check its content. In screenshots shared with TechCrunch last month, a magnifying glass appears next to a message, which would take the user to a related Google search.

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

SOURCE: edition.cnn.com

I support this move, as the infodemic might end up causing more casualties than the virus itself if not curtailed.



I have lost count of the number of false information and conspiracy theories I have read on this pandemic.

-During the 2014 Ebola outbreak, messages circulated and boom, people went bathing with salt. Some mixed with water and gulped it down!! People died from excessive salt consumption.

I watched a video where Trump addressed accusations of him downplaying the situation. He said he isn’t undermining the virus, but reassuring the people. It is bad, we should take caution, we should inform, but do not create panic in the process.

I received this message sometime ago and didn’t give it a second look. I never do. Not until it was forwarded to me by the Consultant himself, after he asked if I have seen the message being passed around. He never had such conversation with anyone.

I jokingly told him it would soon be on NL. I wasn’t wrong after all, the next day I saw it on Nairaland

My mum needs to see this

I've had people spread those rumours on some groups and I don't even waste my time to read it....



Africans that they dashed them Christianity are now acting like they discover God by themselves....

Any piece of information you receive on any online platform without a source (in form of a reputable news outlet website link) should be totally disregarded.

Reason I don't do WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook. Oh and Twitter!

Nairaland is sufficient.

In other words, any fake news about 5G will not be tolerated again!

copy that Oyakhilome!!

Fake news from the pulpit!!!

Ok

The reason is noble and just but should be replaced by a more relaxed policy.

Real verified news are also being circulated same way.

There should be a way to verify some messages and allow exactly same to be forwarded as many times as possible.

This policy means I can't share a real verified news I received too to people that might need it.

There should also be a way to take away fake news from circulation.

Wechat and other Chinese chat apps have such capabilities and they don't have access to funds that Mark have.

Whatsapp should come up with a way to have news voted fake or real if it concerns covid 19 then have the fake ones taken down.

Luvinghubby:


You have a point, but don't you think that it will lead to 'censorship'.
Censorship is what led to the early spread of corona virus in China because the doctor who first observed the disease in Wuhan uploaded the message on wechat groups but it was censored and deleted automatically and the doctor was arrested by police.

You have a very valid point here which I must admit that I never thought of.

However, in the case of China, it was the state suppressing any news on covid 19 regardless of if its true or fake.

I don't think WhatsApp censoring any covid 19 news that have been proven to be fake from being forwarded plenty times will be too harsh.

Awon 5G-CORONA Crew won't like this news.
Oya!
chatinent
Iyiataata92
Come and receive dosage of Sense

Nice

Chinese president finally speaks on Corona virus and 5G
He said America tu moisha lois chu visr la shin Corona vive la abala ncjire 5G
What's your take on this?

Copy and Paste can still do it sha

So many fake news this period especially this 5g issue.

Someone else will come up with an alternative app that is not this unreasonably restrictive of the freedom of speech. Better Prosecute irresponsible posts not restrict audio! Wrong move!

Good move

Lol

I have blocked my mum and dad on whatsapp. Phew

Nobody can stop REGGEA, not even what's App would stop fake news, it's in our blood

Damnnnnn niggarrr
Nice


Sorry i must say the truth

Women are guilty of this

Our mothers, wife and sisters do this alot

Na wa

Platform of platforms .. For those ines saying Corona na audio, make una dey pray make Corona no catch una for mouth soon.

Okay

Ok

Impressive as most have been transmitting fear and falsehood.

People can forward fake news sef, those videos with the robot voice are the worst

Good...


I'm tired of receiving 5G causes Coronavirus / 5G is Antichrist nonsense...

U