JAKARTA - The WhatsApp instant messaging application is often the mediator for spreading hoax or disinformation news. However, since WhatsApp limited the number of messages that can be forwarded (forward messages), the number of hoaxes has dropped dramatically.
Launching Techcrunch, WhatsApp has indeed been trying to reduce viral chain messages on its platform since two years ago. Now the message can be forwarded no more than five times.
"We recently introduced a limit for sharing of 'highly forwarded messages with only one chat.' Since implementing this new limit, globally there has been a 70 percent reduction in the number of highly forwarded messages sent on WhatsApp," said a WhatsApp spokesperson. , Tuesday, April 28.
WhatsApp's efforts to reduce the spread of hoaxes and disinformation deserve thumbs up. Because there have been many victims, due to viral chain messages on WhatsApp.
Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hoax news and disinformation related to the corona virus have spread throughout its network platforms. Information about the consumption of disinfectant fluids to ward off COVID-19, and the issue of the 5G network that is the mastermind behind the spread of the corona virus are often disseminated via WhatsApp.
"We know that many users pass on information to be useful, be it memes, reflections or funny videos that entertain people. However, they often pass on messages and wrong information," WhatsApp continued in his statement.
"We believe in limiting the spread of these messages. WhatsApp will continue to be a place for private conversations that users use," he added.
It's an honor to work with @WHO to provide this simple service to get the latest information directly from the experts right on WhatsApp. Tap the link below to get started. Share these tips and de-bunked rumors with your friends and family 🙏 https://t.co/WWhbKccdAB pic.twitter.com/EYCuAliCk2
- WhatsApp Inc. (@WhatsApp) March 20, 2020
In fact, reducing the number of messages forwarded is not malicious and curbs the user's freedom. However, this step was taken by WhatsApp to reduce viral messages from hoax news and false disinformation.
WhatsApp also works with a number of organizations and local authorities in a number of countries to provide accurate information. One of the efforts is to create an interactive chatbot service that WhatsApp users can use to get information about COVID-19 from the world health organization WHO or related government agencies.
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