New Delhi:
In a bid to curb the spread of fake news, instant messaging app WhatsApp has decided to roll out the ‘Frequently Forwarded’ messages label on both Android as well as iOS apps. The label lets users spot the message that has been forwarded many times – over five times to be specific. This ‘Frequently Forwarded’ feature is available for all the users who are using the latest version of WhatsApp.
"We have recently introduced an update to our forwarded message label that helps people identify when they have received messages that were previously forwarded several times, such as a chain message. These highly forwarded messages will be marked with a double arrow icon and users will receive a notice when they are forwarding such a message," said WhatsApp spokesperson.
Some reports claim that the Facebook-owned messaging app has been testing this feature for quite some time. Apart from the double arrow icon, WhatsApp will also truncate long text messages. However, users will be able to read the full message with just a tap. This feature is somewhat already available for text long messages with a read more option.
According to the WhatsApp, these new features will enhance users' experience on the platform, especially in group chats.
Earlier this year, WhatsApp introduced ‘forwarded' label for messages. Meanwhile, WhatsApp is also planning to introduce a payment system soon. Will Cathcart, global head of WhatsApp, has finally confirmed that the Facebook-owned social messaging app will launch WhatsApp Payments later this year.
While attending an event hosted by the company in the national capital, Cathcath said, "WhatsApp is deeply committed to India...Our next step is drive payments in India...All of which is based on UPI standard, partnering with banks here in India."
"We believe that if we get this [digital payments] right, we will accelerate financial inclusion and bring millions of people to India's fast-growing digital economy. We can't wait to provide this service to more people later this year," Cathcath added.
On the occasion, Cathcath announced a partnership with NITI Aayog to promote women entrepreneurship ecosystem in the country. “As a part of the partnership, WhatsApp will collaborate with NITI Aayog will announce a host of events that are aimed at addressing the specific challenges being faced by women entrepreneurs in the country,” he added.
