WhatsApp Messenger is known to be one of the most reliable messaging apps. WhatsApp updates very frequently in terms of security and privacy. Amid Coronavirus outbreak, the bulk of misinformation is ranging all over the digital platforms. To slow down the spread of misinformation, WhatsApp reduced the limit on frequently forwarded messages.
WhatsApp new update
WhatsApp is focusing on limiting the spread of misinformation around the world. The WhatsApp new update will limit frequently forwarded messages to a single chat at a time in attempts to limit the spread of COVID-19 misinformation. WhatsApp will highlight the frequently forwarded messages shared five times or more. Frequently forwarded messages will have a double tick on top of WhatsApp.
Future add ons on this update.
WhatsApp futures add on will be a feature that will let the users verify forwarded messages. The app will provide a magnifying glass on the frequently forwarded messages to verify whether the information is true or not.
Results of the feature
The WhatsApp observes a 25% decrease in people sending forwarded messages. Earlier, the user can forward the frequently forwarded messages to a maximum of five chats.
Why WhatsApp took this step?
Amid coronavirus pandemic, the people are sitting in their homes. Everybody is receiving the bulk of information and misinformation too. The spread of single misinformation through WhatsApp is very easy and speedy. The people are intentionally and unintentionally spreading the misinformation on COVID-19. The whole world is suffering from this deadly infection. The misinformation is creating unnecessary stress between the communities and the public. The misinformation is making the situation even more worst.
Efforts of WhatsApp for COVID-19.
The Company is focusing on to curb the misinformation across the world. WhatsApp also launched the coronavirus information hub and donated $1 million for fact-checking services. It has also partnered with the Indian government and state governments to launch COVID-19 WhatsApp chatbots.
WhatsApp other updates
Rolling out the Auto-download feature
The auto-download feature, under which frequently forwarded images, videos, documents and voice messages will not be automatically downloaded on the app. This feature will be implemented with the next update. Currently, the auto-download feature will be available for certain media nut with the next update it will be rolled out. This feature will also reduce data usage.
Advanced Search Feature
This Advanced search feature will enable a user to search for any kind of media seamlessly. This feature will be available for WhatsApp 2.20.117 Android beta version. Through this feature, the user can search any kind of images, videos, documents, links and even GIFs on WhatsApp.
Protect Backup Feature
Protect Backup feature will allow users to protect their chat backups with a password. The password for the chat backup will be not saved in WhatsApp or Facebook servers. Therefore, the password once lost then the user will not be able to retrieve the backup.
The people are misusing the digital platforms knowingly and unknowingly. Before forwarding any message one must think about its authentication. Authentic information is beneficial for society. The misinformation will create chaos across the country.
Above all, one should focus on the positive things in this crisis. The public must cooperate with the government. They should obey the guidelines provided by the government. Breaking the guidelines will only make the situation worst. The government is asking the public to just stay at home and don’t contribute in spreading the misinformation around the world. The nation will have to come together to fight against the coronavirus.
