After Mob lynchings, WhatsApp restrict 'forwards to 5 chats' In India

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False provocative messages in WhatsApp network in India have triggered mob lynching
False provocative messages in WhatsApp network in India have triggered mob lynching

New Delhi : Facebook owned WhatsApp has come up with features to limit forwarding messages, applicable to all users. The changes have been made after Indian authorities wanted control on spread of rumours that have led to violent incidents in recent past.

False provocative messages in WhatsApp network in India have triggered mob lynching. The country has more than 200 million users of WhatsApp, making it most popular messaging platform for people here. However, unfavourable incidents occurred due to the exchange of false messages authorities felt like calling for steps to prevent the circulation of false texts and provocative content. 

The WhatsApp officials said that in India it will also test a lower limit of five chats, individual or group chats, at a time and remove the quick forward button next to media messages.

The change will possibly restrict mass forwarding of messages. A survey by WhatsApp reveals that Indians forward more messages, photos and videos than any other country in the world. 

In the month itself, WhatsApp in response to a call from the Ministry of Information Technology, said it required a partnership with the government as well as society in general to restrain the spread of false information on its platform.

In an effort to combat a flurry of fake messages, WhatsApp, last week, published advertisements in major Indian newspapers suggesting ways to tackle the spread of misinformation. It messaging service provider said that it was giving users controls and information to help them stay safe, and that it planned to run long-term public safety advertising campaigns.

This year, false messages about child kidnappers on WhatsApp have triggered mass violence against dozens of people in India.