Tech: WhatsApp is trying to tackle fake news by letting users identify forwarded messages

The feature helps users know if what they have received is a forwarded message or original content composed by the sender.

WhatsApp has launched a new feature targeted at reducing the spread of fake news. The feature helps users know if what they have received is a forwarded message or original content composed by the sender.

The Facebook-owned social messaging platform made the latest feature known in a blog post released on Monday, July 10, 2018.

The new update is coming at a time many users are calling for an end to hoax news in the world and as Nigeria prepares for 2019 general elections.

 

“Starting today, WhatsApp will indicate which messages you receive have been forwarded to you. This extra context will help make one-on-one and group chats easier to follow. “

“It also helps you determine if your friend or relative wrote the message they sent or if it originally came from someone else,” the blog post reads in part.

ALSO READ: Whatsapp introduces new group chat features – here's everything you need to know

How the forwarded message label works?

- When someone sends a message to you privately or in a group chat ... Whatsapp will indicate if the message is forwarded or originally composed

- Users can also report or block a contact in on tap and can always reach out to Whatsapp directly for help.

To use the 'Labeling Forwarded Messages' feature, you need to have the latest supported version of WhatsApp on your phone

In the wake of global challenges and fake news, Whatsapp has been working on several updates to curb the spread of fake news globally. Last week, the messaging platform added a feature that let only administrators send messages to a group.

How to enable 'Admin only' in a group setting

- Open “Group Info”

- Tap Group Settings

- Send Messages and select “Only Admins.”

Nigerian government launches campaign against fake news

The Nigerian government on Wednesday admonished Nigerians not to share any information for which they cannot vouch on Facebook, Twitter or WhatsApp as a measure to curtail fake news menace.

Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Nigeria's information minister gave the admonition in Abuja at the launch of National Campaign against Fake News.

He urged social media users that before sharing any information on Facebook, Twitter or WhatsApp, they should ascertain how credible the source was.

Mohammed said the campaign against fake news was to sensitise Nigerians to the dangers it posed to peace, security and the nation’s corporate existence.

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