WhatsApp likely to add option to restrict 'frequently forwarded' messages

Besides, WhatsApp is also likely to soon support Apple's iPad as well.

(Web Desk) – In order to curb the spread of fake news on the social media, Facebook-owned messaging giant WhatsApp is anticipated to add an option of barring frequently forwarded messages in a group chat.

However, according to WaBetaInfo, the feature will only be available to group admins and will work in a group chat.

Previously, ‘frequently forwarded’ tag had started appearing for messages which were forwarded more than four times.

Essentially, a new group setting is added which only admins can see, where they have the option of disabling ‘Frequently Forwarded Messages’.

WhatsApp beta for Android 2.19.97: what s new? WhatsApp is experimenting a new feature under development that prevents to send frequently forwarded messages in groups, when enabled! https://t.co/u6MExGVPYK The feature is not available yet and it will be enabled in future.

— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) April 6, 2019

When enabled, users will not be able to forward such messages to the group. WhatsApp has recently started showing the number of times a message is forwarded to users in the information in the Android beta app as well. WhatsApp recently improved privacy settings for groups and gives users the option of restricting who can add them to one in the first place.

With this move, the company aims to filter out spam and hoax messages. While there is no stopping users from copying messages and creating new ones to forward out of them but that does somehow make it much tougher to do.

The feature is still in beta testing and no official confirmation has been received of its rollout.

Besides, WhatsApp is also likely to soon support Apple’s iPad as well.

WhatsApp is still rolling out the new Privacy Settings for Group (Android and iOS beta) in recent updates. The roll out is incredibly slow, so don t worry if the feature is not enabled for you yet. Be patient.

— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) April 10, 2019

Based on the screenshots shared by the website, logging into WhatsApp on iPad shows the usual log in screen and a similar UI as iPhone app. It also looks like chat screen has been redesigned and comes with splitview support. The app also works in landscape mode on the iPad. The app supports all other features like the iPhone one, including the ability to make calls, share Status updates, etc.

WhatsApp recently improved privacy settings for groups and gives users the option of restricting who can add them to one in the first place.

Finally, the v2.19.89 beta also brings a new user interface for selecting audio files, and will let users preview audio and album art before sending it. It will also let users send up to 30 audio files in one go. The feature appears to be live on the public beta for most users.