WhatsApp developing new "notification system" to fight fake messages, spam
WhatsApp is undoubtedly one of the most popular messengers; it is regularly updated to offer new features and improve the user experience. However, WhatsApp has a serious "fake news" problem; spam, fake messages, rumors, hoaxes, etc. spread through forwarded messages. To get rid of this, WhatsApp is now testing a new spam-detection feature that notifies or warns the users about spam. Here's how.
WhatsApp's warning system, part of Facebook's crackdown on fake news
On WhatsApp, fake news and dangerous scams spread through forwarded messages; users pass on potentially harmful links, fake viral messages, and spam chain letters. Such content creates "a vast web of disinformation," and it has left Facebook worried. As part of the social media giant's crackdown on fake news, WhatsApp may also soon start warning its users about fake messages.
WhatsApp to rollout an improved notification system
Many websites, including popular tipster WABetaInfo and Whatsappen, claim that developers of WhatsApp are working on an "in-app notification" feature that will warn users if a message has been forwarded several times. With the new and improved notification system, the Facebook-owned instant messaging app will send alerts to its users when the messages they receive are spam or chain letters.
How does the anti-spam feature work?
The anti-spam notification system sends alerts when users receive spam or when they are about to forward fake news or dangerous links. If a message is forwarded 25 times, it automatically triggers the warning alert. When users receive spam they see, "Forwarded Many Times"; when they try to forward such content, they see, "A message you are forwarding has been forwarded many times."
Best method to send messages on large scale
Once the feature is introduced, it's likely that any message that is forwarded more than 25 times will be marked as spam (may also be blocked). In order to send messages to a large number of contacts, WhatsApp's Broadcast List feature can be used. This feature doesn't work for spammers as one can receive broadcast messages only from the contacts saved on their device.
When will WhatsApp introduce the feature?
Reports claim it isn't clear if or when the anti-spam alerts feature will be rolled out widely by WhatsApp. Facebook usually tests new WhatsApp features on a small scale; some of them are also scrapped before being launched. WABetaInfo said the feature isn't yet officially enabled and WhatsApp is still developing it right now. WhatsApp, however, has not yet responded to these reports.
New alert system still under development: WABetaInfo
"At present WhatsApp does not block...a message forwarded more than 25 times. It is not yet clear how they will manage this feature because it is still under development...WhatsApp is deciding how to implement it and/or its functionality," said WABetaInfo. It noted, "The spammer may start to forward a new message to bypass this, but this operation will certainly slow down and...discourage him."
