WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion users. A key feature of WhatsApp is the ability to easily forward messages to other chats and groups. However, in 2018 WhatsApp introduced a limit on how many times a message can be forwarded in an effort to cut down on the spread of misinformation.
The Problem of Viral Misinformation
Prior to the forwarding limits, WhatsApp users could forward a message to up to 250 people or groups at once. This made it very easy for false information, rumors, and hoaxes to go viral on the platform.
There were several high profile examples of misinformation spreading widely through WhatsApp message forwarding:
- In India, rumors circulated on WhatsApp led to mob lynchings and violence.
- During the Brazilian presidential election in 2018, a flood of political fake news propagated on WhatsApp.
- False child abduction rumors went viral and led to mob violence in Mexico.
The rapid and uncontrolled virality enabled by forwarding was causing real harm. WhatsApp realized it needed to step in to limit the dissemination of falsehoods on its platform.
WhatsApp’s Solution – Forwarding Limits
In July 2018, WhatsApp introduced a new rule that limited users to forwarding a message to only 5 chats at once. This immediately decreased the reach of any single forwarded message across the platform.
Initially, the forwarding limit was 5 chats. In January 2019, this was reduced further to only 1 chat at a time. Each message can now only be forwarded to a single chat or group.
This limit prevents a message from rapidly going viral across WhatsApp’s network. Even if someone wants to mass forward misinformation or rumors, they can’t reach more than 1 chat at a time.
How the Forwarding Limit Works
When a user receives a frequently forwarded message on WhatsApp, they will see a magnifying glass icon next to it. Tapping on this icon shows a message that reads:
“This message has been forwarded many times. Only send it to 1 chat.”
Once this forwarding limit has been reached, the option to forward to additional chats will be disabled. The message can no longer be forwarded to anyone else.
Messages that are not frequently forwarded do not have the magnifying glass icon or limit. Only widely circulated messages triggering WhatsApp’s virality detection are restricted.
The Impact of Forwarding Limits
Since WhatsApp introduced these forwarding limits, misinformation has dropped significantly on the platform. In a white paper, WhatsApp shared data on the impact:
- After the 5 chat limit – forwarding worldwide dropped by 25%
- After the 1 chat limit – forwarding dropped by 50% globally
Local misinformation research groups have corroborated these findings. The number of Indian hoaxes and false news stories going viral fell substantially after the forwarding cap was enacted.
By curbing mass message forwarding, WhatsApp reduced the ability for a single false claim or piece of misinformation to reach millions of users rapidly. This safety measure has been praised by misinformation experts.
Criticism of the Forwarding Limits
While forwarding limits have reduced viral misinformation, some critics have complained the constraints are too excessive. A few key criticisms include:
- Hindering legitimate communication – Forwards are commonly used to share news, events, and public safety information across WhatsApp.
- Not solving the underlying problem – Bad actors can still manually forward to hundreds of groups 1 chat at a time.
- Too broad – Applies even to harmless viral messages and memes.
However, most experts feel the dramatic reduction in misinformation sharing justifies keeping these tightened forwarding protocols in place.
Exceptions to Forwarding Limits
There are a few use cases where WhatsApp does not apply a forwarding limit, even on viral messages:
- Forwarding to privare chats – No limits if forwarding to an individual contact.
- Verified accounts – Businesses and officials using WhatsApp for communication.
- Forwarded media – For images, videos, and audio files.
These exceptions prevent hindering legitimate usages like person-to-person communication and business outreach. But text-based virality is still restricted.
Will WhatsApp Remove Forwarding Limits?
WhatsApp has given no indication that they plan to remove or significantly modify the 1 chat forwarding limit any time soon.
Forwarding limits have been in place for over 3 years already. And despite criticism, they have been highly effective at curbing misinformation according to WhatsApp’s internal data.
As long as viral forwarded hoaxes and false news remain a threat, WhatsApp is likely to keep forwarding caps enabled. However, they may consider tweaking the system to find the right balance between safety and utility going forward.
Tips for Sharing on Limited Forwards
Here are some tips for sharing content and information on WhatsApp in light of the forwarding limits:
- Manually forward important messages – It takes more effort, but you can manually send messages to multiple chats 1 at a time.
- Share links instead of text – Add a link to content rather than copying the text itself.
- Use WhatsApp groups – You can reach up to 256 users at once by messaging in a group.
- Export chat history – You can export a chat and share it as a file attachment.
Conclusion
WhatsApp’s limits on message forwarding were implemented to reduce the platform’s viral misinformation problem. By preventing mass forwards, these caps have succeeded in sharply decreasing the reach of false and dangerous hoaxes.
The 1 chat at a time rule significantly hinders misinformation. But legitimate uses are hampered as well. WhatsApp continues trying to strike the right balance between safety and utility.
With billions of users, WhatsApp has become a key communication tool worldwide. Maintaining the integrity and security of those communications through reasonable measures like forwarding limits helps ensure WhatsApp remains useful. Though imperfect, these caps reduce harm, and enable WhatsApp’s continued role as a safe and trusted social platform.