WhatsApp to limit message forwarding

Facebook Inc’s WhatsApp is launching a test to limit forwarding messages.  This will apply to all users, the messaging app said recently after Indian authorities sought curbs on spread of rumours that have led to violent incidents.

Mob lynchings triggered by false incendiary messages in India.According to WhatsApp,the move is likely to be a deterrent to mass forwarding of messages. Indians forward more messages, photos and videos than any other country in the world.

The messaging service had mentioned that it was giving users controls and information to help them stay safe, and that it planned to run long-term public safety advertising campaigns.

So far this year, false messages about child abductors on WhatsApp have triggered mass beatings of more than a dozen people in India and some of whom have died.