WhatsApp is limiting message forwarding as coronavirus misinformation takes hold in Africa

WhatsApp is trying again to limit the spread of misinformation through its platform. It’s a tactic that had some success: after dropping forwarding limits to five chats, WhatsApp says it saw a 25% drop in messaging forwarding globally. It’s a reality increasingly seen across Africa, where bogus coronavirus theories are making the rounds in countries like Nigeria, from claims that the virus can only infect rich people or that the outbreak is a hoax by local politicians to loot public funds.