Facebook's popular messaging service WhatsApp tightenend message forwarding limits on Tuesday to stop the spread of misinformation about the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The messaging app saw a jump in message forwarding since the start of the COVID-19 crisis.
Users will now be restricted to sharing content that has already been forwarded numerous times just one chat at a time. Until now, it has been possible to share information simultaneously in five chats.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified an "infodemic" of misinformation triggered by the pandemic. Governments around the world have urged social media companies to attempt to curb the spread of misinformation through tighter regulations.
"We've seen a significant increase in the amount of forwarding which users have told us can feel overwhelming and can contribute to the spread of misinformation. We believe it's important to slow the spread of these messages down to keep WhatsApp a place for personal conversation," the company said in a statement. WhatsApp has over two billion users worldwide.
Misinformation that has been spread on WhatsApp often relates to miracle cures and so-called "treatments" to cure patients of COVID-19 and to conspiracy theories regarding government or private involvement in the outbreak.
The new limits are in place indefinitely. WhatsApp already put some measures in place on message forwarding in 2018 after viral rumors on its platform led to mass beatings and violence in India.
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