WhatsApp messenger has restricted users to sending messages up to once due to the spread of fakes about the coronavirus. This was announced by the company’s press service on April 7.
The statement says that in 2019, the company introduced users to the concept of frequently forwarded messages — they are marked with a symbol in the form of a double arrow. Against the background of the spread of fakes about coronavirus, it was decided to restrict the sending of such messages, now they can only be sent to one chat at a time, the TV channel “360”notes.
The company also noted that WhatsApp is “used to organize actions in support of medical workers fighting the spread of the virus,” which leads to an increase in the number of messages sent, the Zvezda TV channel said. Many clients are concerned about this fact, because it can contribute to the spread of misinformation. The company stressed that WhatsApp should continue to be a service for personal communication, and to do this, it is necessary to slow down the mass distribution of messages, writes “Federal news Agency”.
As the NSN reminds, previously users could send the same message to 256 people from the contact list. However, in 2018, the resource administration began experimenting with restrictions amid a scandal in India, when the app was accused of inciting riots due to mass sending of fake information by users. Since 2019, one message could be forwarded to five contacts.
Messenger works with various NGOs and government agencies, including who and national ministries of health, to provide users with accurate information. So, in March, WhatsApp launched a special chatbot that provides up-to-date and reliable information on how to stop the spread of the coronavirus, as well as provides travel recommendations, debunks rumors about the infection.
According to Worldometer on April 7, there are more than 1.356 million coronavirus infections worldwide. More than 75 thousand people died, and more than 290 thousand recovered.
