WhatsApp will now mark forwarded messages to combat fake news
The new feature will only apply to users with the latest supported version of WhatsApp
The feature will see a forwarded WhatsApp message include an indicator that marks it as forwarded.
According to the Facebook-owned app, the move is aimed at helping a user determine if the message was composed by the sender or was originally created by someone else.
"We encourage you to think before sharing messages that were forwarded. As a reminder, you can report spam or block a contact in one tap and can always reach out to WhatsApp directly for help," WhatsApp said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Fake news
Users will need to have the latest supported version of WhatsApp on their phone to see the new forwarded label, the company explained.
The move seeks to limit the circulation of spam and fake news on its platform that has over 1.5 billion monthly active users worldwide.
In May, President Uhuru Kenyatta signed the controversial Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Bill, 2018, into law in a bid to curb fake news.
Failure to comply to the law will attract a fine not exceeding five million shillings or a two-year jail term, or both.
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: news@pulselive.co.ke
Recommended articles
![Linet Toto excited as she unveils sleek ride after 1 month in office [Photos]](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20width%3D'244'%20height%3D'139'%20data-ring-placeholder%3D'1'%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "Linet Toto excited as she unveils sleek ride after 1 month in office [Photos]")
Linet Toto excited as she unveils sleek ride after 1 month in office [Photos]
Top 10 African cities with the highest population growth from 2022 to 2023
Top 10 African countries where workers earn the highest average salaries
Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote poised to overtake another Russian billionaire Vladimir Lisin on Bloomberg billionaires list
Top 10 African countries producing Palm Oil
Diwali 2022: Is Monday a public holiday in Kenya?
Francis Gachuri biography: Career, personal life, networth
Top 10 happiest countries in Africa in 2023