WhatsApp limits number of chats users can send forward messages to

Online messaging platform WhatsApp on Thursday reportedly said that it is launching a test to restrict forwarding messages that will apply to all users. The move follows several lynching incidents in the country based on rumours spread on WhatsApp. The Centre had earlier warned the messaging platform against such quick spreading rumours.

WhatsApp, which has over 200 million users in India, said it will test a lower limit of five chats - individual or group chats - at a time. Further, it also added that the quick forward button next to media messages will be removed.

The move is expected to curb rumours spreading on the messaging app. While the government had earlier asked WhatsApp to act on rumours, the Facebook-owned company said that it required a partnership with the government as well as society in general to curb the spread of false information on its platform.