WhatsApp rolls out 5-chat message

Globally, WhatsApp rolls out 5-chat message
Forwarding limit 

  Facebook Includes WhatsApp messenger service is globally limiting the number of times a user's can forward a message to five, in a bid to fight misinformation and rumours company executives said.   

 “We're imposing a limit of five messages all over the world as of today, ” Victoria Grand, vice president for policy and communication at WhatsApp user could forward a message to 20 individuals or groups. The five recipients limit expands globally a measure WhatsApp put into place in India in July after the spread of rumours on social media led to killings and lynching attempts. 

 WhatsApp, which has around 1.5 billion users, has been trying to find ways to stop misuse of the app,  following global concern that the platform was being used to spread fake news manipulated photos,  videos without context, and audio hoaxes, with no way to monitor their origin or full reach.

 The app's end-to-end encryption allows groups of hundred of users to exchange text, photos and video beyond the purview of independent fact checkers or even the platform itself. 

 WhatsApp will roll out an update to activate the new forward limit, starting Monday,  WhatsApp's head of communication Carl Woog told Reuters. 

 Android users will receive the update first, followed by users of Apple's iOS. The IT Ministry had also asked WhatsApp to ensure that the platform is not used for malafide activities over the growing instances of lynching of innocent people owing to large number of irresponsible messages filled with rumours. 

In August, Union IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told the visiting WhatsApp CEO Chris Daniels to comply with the Indian laws and take “suitable” steps to prevent misuse of the instant messaging platform in the country.