WhatsApp decided to limit its users to forwarding a message only 5 times. This restriction will apply throughout the world.

Quoted from BBC, this Facebook-owned company first applied the rule in India about 6 months ago. The hope, WhatsApp can prevent the spread of fake news or hoaxes. Moreover, the number of their users is very massive, reaching 1.5 billion.

Previously, WhatsApp users could forward messages to up to 20 contacts. The limitation of only 5 contacts that are implemented starting tomorrow, is considered effective to prevent hoaxes circulating on WhatsApp.

"This forward restriction significantly lowers the message that continues throughout the world," said WhatsApp in India.

WhatsApp chose Jakarta as the place to announce the new policy, perhaps because it was close to the election moment which was vulnerable to the spread of false news.

WhatsApp and Facebook are being highlighted in various parts of the world, because they are considered as a means of spreading false information and propaganda. They were asked to immediately take action and limit this forward to become one of their policies as a solution.

In India, news of child abductions spread on WhatsApp and caused unrest. There were even a number of innocent victims who were judged by the masses because they were accused of being perpetrators according to messages circulating on WhatsApp.