Fake news: Facebook implements forwarding limit on Messenger

Social media giant Facebook, has introduced a forwarding limit on its Messenger platform.

The effort is a part of its attempt to slow the spread of misinformation and harmful contents on the platform.

After its latest update, the users can only share messages to up to 5 persons or groups at a time. This is similar to an update the tech giant had implemented in WhatsApp earlier.

New update

The automatic limit is applicable to messages, photographs and videos shared on Facebook Messenger.

The forward button is visible just next to the message and clicking on it will pull up a list of the user’s contacts. After the user chooses five individuals or groups from the list, Messenger will automatically notify the user that the forwarding limit has been reached.

Why the update?

The new forwarding limit feature comes as part of Facebook’s efforts to avoid the spread of COVID-19 misinformation and the upcoming elections in the US, New Zealand and other countries.

“This new feature provides yet another layer of protection by limiting the spread of viral misinformation or harmful content, and we believe it will help keep people safer online”, said Facebook.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been introducing a series of new initiatives ahead of the US elections.

Earlier this year, Facebook launched its ‘Coronavirus Community Hub’ and ‘Voting Information Center’ in a bid to give greater transparency and accurate information to its users.

Upcoming US elections

Zuckerberg has announced that Facebook will block new political advertisements a week before the US elections, which is to be held on November 3rd.

He added that the platform will block misinformation regarding voting by removing posts that contain false information.

Facebook has introduced features like an easier way to block and report unwanted messages, safety notifications and two-factor authentication earlier this year.