WhatsApp may soon let you block frequently forwarded messages in groups

WhatsApp has acquired a variety of tools to fight fake news over the past 12 months, but the latest addition might be one of the most important features yet.

According to serial leaker WABetaInfo, the messaging app will soon let you bar frequently forwarded messages in a group chat. The feature is only available to administrators, and will reportedly be accessible via group settings.

The outlet’s previous coverage notes that a message gains the “frequently forwarded” tag when it’s been forwarded more than four times.

This would theoretically serve as a filter to catch out spam and hoaxes. There’s nothing stopping users from copying frequently forwarded messages and sending them as new texts, but it definitely makes it tougher for them to spread. The feature isn’t live just yet, though.

The functionality joins a variety of other WhatsApp features meant to fight hoaxes and fake news. Other tools added to the platform include forward limits, suspicious link detection, and improved admin controls. The company is also reportedly working on integrated reverse image search, allowing you to quickly verify a received image.

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