WhatsApp Starts Labeling Forwarded Messages

Before fake news on social media was a thing, the easiest way for people looking to spread misinformation was to run a chain of forwarded messages on WhatsApp, the world’s largest cross-platform messaging service. You may have received a few over the years making dubious claims about one thing or the other. WhatsApp wants to clamp down on the spread of misinformation on its platform which is why it has now started labeling forwarded messages.

WhatsApp has now started indicating which messages a user receives have been forwarded to them. The added content is going to make it easier for them to follow one-on-one and group chats. It will also help them determine if the message they received was actually written by their friend or relative or if it originated from someone else and was merely forwarded to them.

The WhatsApp forwarded messages label will apply to text, images, video, and audio messages. Prior to launching this feature for all users, WhatsApp tested the labels in India which happens to be its largest market. Forwarded messages on WhatsApp have been linked to dangerous viral rumors in markets like India and Brazil so the company will certainly be hoping that this feature helps mitigate that.

The new forwarded messages label will be visible to users who have the latest supported version of WhatsApp on their device.

Adnan Farooqui
Categories: Cellphones
Tags: Apps, Whatsapp