Show HN: Block annoying forwards from your Whatsapp contacts

chrome.google.com

7 points·QueensGambit··7 comments

I have been getting WhatsApp forwards from my loved ones that are blatantly false. I have begged/urged them to stop sending them to the point of rupture in the relationship. But, they continue to do it instantaneously when they see the news without thinking. So, instead of blocking them altogether, I wrote this Chrome extension to hide/silence their forwards. Your feedback, please?

This is a common problem in India. WhatsApp limited the number of forwards to 7 per day, after some WhatsApp rumors led to murders. This sounds like a good solution for receivers. Question is, how do you stop people from forwarding?

Very true! I think allowing receivers to block forwards would be a good starting point because:

1. They didn't ask for it in the first place.

2. If there is enough adoption, senders will be discouraged from sending them, when they know their forwards are being ignored.

Chrome extension is good, but mobile app will be the one that will be useful. Otherwise, I still have to use regular app. Is it possible to build a mobile app, since WhatsApp doesn't have an open API?

I agree. It is hard to build a mobile app without open API, but not impossible. Given the number of virtualization technologies that exist today, it should be doable, IMO.

This is really cool! Can i also silence loudmouths in my Whatsapp group with this? :)

Not yet! But, that's a really good suggestion. Thanks!

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