JAKARTA - The WhatsApp instant message application service continues to take precautions against the spread of hoaxes or misinformation related to COVID-19 on its platform. Recently, the application restricted users from forwarding a message in a chat room.
Launching The Guardian, WhatsApp reduced the function of forwarding messages to more than one contact. If previously it has been reduced to 20 times the forward message. Now the message can be forwarded no more than five times.
Although this does not completely prevent the message from spreading. However, WhatsApp hopes that its users can control every message and misinformation so that it is not passed on to one another.
"We have seen a significant increase in the number of forwarders that users tell us can feel overwhelming and can contribute to the spread of misinformation. We believe it is important to slow the spread of these messages so that WhatsApp remains a place for private conversation," said the spokesperson. talk to WhatsApp through his official statement.
The instant messaging application under Facebook also has a message encryption feature, whereby WhatsApp cannot see any messages sent on its platform. So, the most hoaxes are also found in this application.
Governments in various countries also urge the public not to believe in information whose validity is unknown. They also said that they would take firm action against those involved in spreading false information.
Even though there are WhatsApp users who don't follow these directions. Because chain messages with wrong information still occur every day. Moreover, the message stated that the World Health Organization (WHO) would extend the area quarantine period for the next few months.
The disinformation was immediately confirmed by WHO via its official Twitter account. WHO explains that it does not send chain messages via the WhatsApp service protocol. Given that, currently many people around the world spend their time with smartphones during the quarantine period.
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
Indeed, WhatsApp users can take advantage of features on Google to find out the truth of the messages they get. Later Google will verify the message that is viral with a number of information that it filters through its search engine.
That way, WhatsApp users can get the correct information from the forward messages they get. This effort is expected to slow down the spread of disinformation on the instant messaging service.
Others, users can also go to government websites or social media to get accurate and verified information. Recently, WhatsApp has also launched the WHO Coronavirus Health Alert service to provide official information to users 24 hours a day around the world.
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