After WhatsApp curbs, 70% fall in ‘highly forwarded’ messages

Bengaluru:28.04.2020

WhatsApp’s new restrictions to curb the flow of highly forwarded messages has shown quick results. The new restrictions, which were implemented earlier this month, have caused a 70% drop in the number of ‘highly forwarded messages’ sent on the platform, report Digbijay Mishra.

On April 7, the company had said messages that are forwarded five times or more, can be sent to only one person or a group at a time. This was announced amid rising cases of misinformation around coronavirus. The government has been asking social-media platforms to rein in on fake news, rumours and hate speeches going viral and at times leading to violence or causing health hazards.

“Globally there has been a 70% reduction in the number of highly forwarded messages sent on WhatsApp,” a WhatsApp India spokesperson said. The drop of 70% is of significance as WhatsApp has 400 million users in India, its largest market consumers.

Full report on www.toi.in