WhatsApp has recently taken action against the spreading of misinformation, most recently by limiting the number of forwarded messages each user can send per day to 20. Now, it looks like the platform may be looking to go even further with its plan to restrict forwarding messages, perhaps even reducing the limit to zero, which would prevent WhatsApp users from sending messages at all beyond one’s own phone contacts or groups. What does this mean for you? Here’s why you should be worried about WhatsApp restricting forwarding messages and what you can do about it. Why You Should Be Worried About WhatsApp Restricting Forwarding Messages
Why WhatsApp changed its policy
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In a nutshell, it’s because of how viral fake news has become, and it’s why we are all being forced to live in an Orwellian nightmare where every discussion is monitored and every word policed by a Nazi-level censorship bureau. Sadly, that’s a story for another day. For now, let’s talk about why you should be worried about WhatsApp restricting forwarding messages even further. We break down what exactly changed
How does this affect businesses
Although there are no official details on how exactly message forwarding will be changed, businesses could be put at a disadvantage in many ways. They may have to take extra steps to get their message out, and more time can lead to less productivity and more expensive campaigns. Businesses could also potentially lose customers if they have hard-to-find contact information.
What can you do about it?
There is one very easy thing you can do about all of this: Start using a different messaging service. One that hasn’t been bought by Facebook and is therefore beholden to its agenda. A service like Telegram, Signal, or Wire. They are as secure as WhatsApp and may even have features that make them more suitable for you than your current app of choice.
What are your strategies for handling these restrictions?
First, set your settings to notify you every time a message is forwarded. This will allow you to track who’s sharing your messages with others and how many times it’s been shared. If one of your recipients shares a forwarded message and it gets forwarded again—cut them off immediately and block them on WhatsApp. They are doing more harm than good to your brand.