This new WhatsApp feature will restrict users sending frequently forwarded messages to the groups

The annoyance of frequently forwarded messages in WhatsApp groups is finally going to end.

The Facebook-owned messaging app, WhatsApp is testing a feature that will give group admins the ability to block “Frequently Forwarded” messages in group chats. The upcoming feature was spotted under development in the latest Android beta update.

WhatsApp recently added a security feature in its beta version, where a user can use fingerprint authentication option to maximize privacy. And now to curb fake news on its platform, WhatsApp will allow group admins to restrict ‘Frequently Forwarded’ messages. WhatsApp has recently released a beta version 2.19.97 and tracker WABetaInfo has spotted the company working to restrict users sending frequently forwarded messages to the group chats.

It must be noted that the feature is under development, so users won’t be able to see it yet, as it is ‘disabled by default’. But, if you have opted to test WhatsApp in beta updates you can track this feature in the latest beta version. Rest assured, it should be available sometime in the future in ‘Group Settings’ and only group admins would be able to see and use the new option.

Essentially, WhatsApp is sorting out ways to curb fake news spreading with this feature, and if the admin feels that too many fake links are shared on a particular group, he/she can switch this feature on, and users of that group will not be able to send messages that are labeled as ‘Frequently Forwarded’.

In the past, WhatsApp came under scrutiny over fake news being transmitted through the app, which also led to the incidents of lynching and other acts of violence in India. Since then WhatsApp is continuously experimenting on new updates to tackle the issue. Recently, WhatsApp was said to be working on a “Search Image” feature that will help users to track the source of the image.