New features coming to Facebook Messenger that aligns with WhatsApp: a limit to message forwarding will be introduced
After WhatsApp, also for Facebook Messenger comes a limit to message forwarding. This is the measure designed by Mark Zuckerberg in the fight against rampant fake news and to put a check on the spread of uncontrolled information.
The announcement of the new limit for Facebook Messenger came directly from the social network, which has established that a single message can be forwarded to a maximum of five contacts. The goal is to slow down the spread of so-called viral news, which often produce misinformation and can have harmful effects even in the real world. This is Facebook's response to the numerous criticisms received in the past for not having developed tools that could prevent the spread of fake news.
Facebook Messenger and the fight against fake news
The limitation of message forwarding through Facebook Messenger is currently being rolled out, but in the coming weeks should become available to all other users. The change is part of a process of changes initiated by Zuckerberg starting in 2019 and comes right now, with the U.S. presidential election just around the corner. In particular, Facebook is committed not to delete the posts of politicians, but to report any misinformation.
Facebook Messenger, what's new
To make the app safer and more proof against the spread of false information and hoaxes, messages in Facebook Messenger chats will only be able to be forwarded to five people or five groups at a time. This isn't the only new feature introduced on the messaging app, but there will also be support for screen sharing on Android and iOS, support for Face ID and Touch ID on iOS, live broadcasting on Messenger Rooms, and most importantly, the beginning of the chat merger between Messenger and Instagram.
The merger between Messenger and Instagram had come back in August and some users had found themselves with Instagram's Direct icon replaced with that of the messaging app. At the moment, however, you still can't use Facebook Messenger to chat, but Zuckerberg's ultimate goal would be to create a common environment between Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp where you can communicate with your contacts.