Whatsapp: Forwarding a photo can even be punishable by law for the recipient
Created: 02/19/2022, 21:28
By: Jessica Young
Billions of people use WhatsApp every day.
There are penalties for sending prohibited content.
Dortmund – Whatsapp is one of the most popular communication services.
According to Techcrunch
, around 100 billion messages were sent worldwide every day
in October 2020 alone .
However, consumers should be careful about what they send and forward.
Because with some content they make themselves punishable, as RUHR24* reports.
messenger service | |
Publishing year | 2009 |
developer | Whatsapp Inc. / MetaPlatforms |
Forwarding pictures on Whatsapp: Why using the app can be dangerous
According to MessengerPeople, 58 million Germans use the app
every
day.
It was developed for fast communication - and has been successful with it.
The software is regularly expanded and has only recently received a new update*.
Most people use Messenger to keep in touch with friends and family.
In addition to writing, the app can also be used to send photos and videos and to make phone calls.
What sounds like a great invention to most people, however, also has its downsides.
Because in addition to the harmless texts and images, Whatsapp is also used to distribute illegal content (more service topics* on RUHR24).
Illegal messages on Whatsapp: Why recipients also have to expect a fine
According to the woman's picture
, illegal messages include
obscene documents as well as inflammatory moving image files.
Such content should be sent particularly frequently in anonymous groups.
Since the messenger does not check the pictures and videos, the messages can be spread unhindered.
As a result, children and young people also come into contact with content relevant to criminal law.
However, anyone who receives such messages should delete them as soon as possible.
Even those who do not send the prohibited pictures or videos, but only receive them, must expect a fine.
Because the recipient is also held accountable if the files are not deleted from their own device.
Whatsapp: How app users can protect themselves from illegal content and penalties
The manufacturers have already provided more security when using the app.
But users can also protect themselves.
This can already be done with a few simple tricks.
The groups do not have to be left for this.
It is usually sufficient to switch off the automatic saving of images and videos on Whatsapp.
Whatsapp users can be prosecuted for sending prohibited content.
© Fabian Sommer/DPA
To do this, users must select the "Data usage" item under Settings and uncheck the respective options under "Media auto-download".
Questionable content that has already been downloaded can also be deleted to avoid a penalty.
*
RUHR24 is part of the editorial network of IPPEN.MEDIA.