The latest update to Facebook Messenger would place a new forwarding limit on the Facebook platform. Users will only be able to forward a certain message to a maximum of only five contacts or a single group. Whenever a user tries to pick more than five contacts to forward a message, the notification serves to inform the user that the forwarding limit has been already reached.
Facebook aims to reduce the spread of fake news and misinformation on its platform with the latest move. However, one could not help pointing out that Facebook Messenger forward limit comes long after the Facebook-owned WhatsApp has introduced a similar feature. Notably, to cut down on misinformation, WhatsApp further restricted the forwarding limit to only one chat at a time in many countries. In addition, the popular messaging app has now launched a new WhatsApp feature to allow the web search for viral messages to verify their claims.
Facebook has already been working on this messenger update for quite some time now. The tech giant reportedly began testing the messenger feature earlier this year in March. The update will initially only be rolled out in certain countries. However, it is expected to reach all the active users by 24 September.
Messenger Forward Limit Comes Ahead Of US Elections
Jay Sullivan, Director of Product Management, Messenger Privacy and Safety noted in her recent blog post that by limiting forwarding, the app hopes to effectively slow the spread of viral misinformation that can cause real-world harm.
Interestingly, in the midst of much scrutiny, updates are coming ahead of elections in New Zealand and the United States. This has often raised concerns about how Facebook or social media, in general, can be misused in the digital world of today’s elections.
Specifically, following the Facebook – Cambridge Analytica data scandal, the social media giant has been under constant scrutiny for data handling. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic and our rising dependence on technology have definitely not helped to address these concerns in any way.
Sullivan also noted, “We believe controlling the spread of misinformation is critical as the global COVID-19 pandemic continues and we head toward major elections in the US, New Zealand and other countries.”
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In addition, the platform will shortly begin blurring photos received from unknown users in another Facebook 2020 update. In addition, an App Lock feature has also been launched on Facebook Messenger, which allows users to set biometric fingerprints or facial features to unlock their app.
Facebook aims at limiting the spread of false news and misinformation on its platform with the latest step. However, one could not help pointing out that the Facebook Messenger forward limit comes long after the Facebook-owned WhatsApp launched a similar feature.
In specific, to cut down on misinformation, WhatsApp further restricted the forwarding limit to only one chat at a time in many countries. In addition, the popular messaging app has also launched a new WhatsApp feature to enable the web search for viral messages to verify their claims.
Facebook has already been working on this messenger update for quite some time now. The tech giant reportedly began testing the messenger feature earlier this year in March. The update will initially only be rolled out in certain countries. However, it is expected to reach all the active users by 24 September
