WhatsApp‘s New ‘Communities’ Feature Faces Criticism for potential to Amplify Misinformation
WhatsApp recently launched it’s “Communities” feature, a tool designed to organize groups around shared interests, but experts are raising concerns that it could inadvertently facilitate the spread of misinformation, despite recent efforts to curb its reach.
Over the years, WhatsApp has implemented measures to limit the viral spread of false facts, including labeling forwarded messages – a meaningful source of misinformation – and initially restricting message forwarding to a maximum of five groups. The company has now further limited forwarding, allowing users to forward messages they receive as forwards to only one group, down from five. A WhatsApp spokesperson stated, “We believe this will meaningfully reduce the spread of perhaps harmful misinformation in community groups.”
Though, researchers remain unconvinced. Fábio Nemer, who studies misinformation and Bolsonarism in Brazil, argues the new feature’s structure could actually increase the potential for widespread disinformation. “The idea – having a group of groups – is great,” Nemer said. “But what is the point of forwarding limits when you can now post something to a single Proclamation group and still reach way more people than if you were to send a single forward to a single group?”
Nemer describes a hierarchical system driving misinformation on WhatsApp,with producers creating false content,dedicated supporters rapidly disseminating it,and average users unknowingly spreading it further. He fears Communities will provide a more efficient infrastructure for those at the top to manage these networks.
Concerns about the timing of the rollout were also raised. In April, whatsapp announced the feature’s launch would be delayed until later in the year, reportedly angering Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. In July, Brazil’s federal prosecutors reportedly requested WhatsApp postpone the launch until after the country’s October elections, citing fears of increased fake news and misinformation.
WhatsApp ultimately released Communities four days after Bolsonaro’s electoral defeat. When asked if the launch was deliberately delayed until after the election, a WhatsApp spokesperson responded, “No.” Following initial publication of reports on the feature, a WhatsApp spokesperson later clarified to BuzzFeed News that Communities was not yet available in Brazil and would not be launched until January.
