Now, Facebook brings WhatsApp-like forwarded message limit to Messenger
Guwahati: Facebook has now added a new feature to its Messenger app which is much like its earlier update on forwarded SMS in WhatsApp. Messenger users can now only forward a particular message to five people or groups.
According to Facebook, this move will help to slow down the flow of harmful content, misinformation, and fake news.
Jay Sullivan, director of Product Management, Messenger Privacy and Safety said in a blog post, “We want Messenger to be a safe and trustworthy platform to connect with friends and family. Earlier this year we introduced features like safety notifications, two-factor authentication, and easier ways to block and report unwanted messages.”
He added that this new feature will provide yet another layer of protection by limiting the spread of fake but viral misinformation or even harmful content.
The company first introduced the forwarding message limit to WhatsApp in India during January 2018. It was then slowly rolled out globally. Later they extended the feature for frequently forwarded SMS's to one person or group at a time.
This move by Facebook comes in the time when the Facebook India team is under high scrutiny for its alleged BJP bias during elections. The Congress party has even asked Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook CEO to probe into allegations that the company’s India team meted out favorable treatment towards BJP, the ruling party. In the letter, they added that this is a damning and serious allegation of Facebook India’s interference in India’s electoral democracy.
Additionally, on September 1 even Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday wrote to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg all while alleging that the employees of the social media site are on record abusing senior Cabinet Ministers and the prime minister of India.
