Why is WhatsApp marking forwarded messages?

Why is WhatsApp marking forwarded messages?

WhatsApp has rolled out a new feature that will label forwarded messages, indicating that the sender is not the originator of the message.

The messaging platform owned by Facebook Inc. had previously indicated that it would give users controls and information to help them stay safe.

“We encourage you to think before sharing messages that were forwarded,” a blogpost on WhatsApp website reads.

The new change is however only available to users with the latest version of the messaging application.

On Tuesday, WhatsApp took out full-page ads in leading Indian newspapers, giving readers tips on how to spot fake messages.

“Fake news often goes viral” reads one. “Just because a message is shared many times does not make it true.”

India is WhatsApp’s biggest market with more than 200 million users.

This is the first such effort to combat a flurry of fake messages that have prompted mob lynchings in the Asian nation.

WhatsApp tips include checking with other sources, looking up photos online that may be edited, and thinking twice before forwarding a message you have doubts about.

Other big tech firms around the world are also trying to combat misinformation, including Facebook.

YouTube announced plans on Monday to push videos from more “authoritative” sources, particularly when it comes to news content.

Twitter has also taken action, with global leaders and top celebrities losing millions of followers who had fake accounts.

By Reuters and CNN

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