WhatsApp is now developing a new feature that should assist users to check images sent in the app, in view of the increasing levels of fake news on the application. Open to beta users on Android and located in the ‘Additional Options’ submenu, the ‘Search on Web’ feature lets users perform an inverted search with a few swipes of their fingers, which might reveal alternative versions of misleading images frequently shared in such conversations. This functionality, which uses Google’s reverse image search, is available in the latest beta version of WhatsApp for Android 2.24.23.13.
The new feature is integrated into the media viewer in WhatsApp; users can do an image search by selecting any photo in a chat, clicking on the three-dot icon on the top right, and selecting ‘Search on the web’. After confirmation from the user, the image is submitted for searching by using Google’s image search so that the users can look for more images that are similar to the particular image or locate the source of the image online. This option can be convenient and easily accessible for quick checks, especially when it comes to fact-checking visuals that are potentially distorted or misrepresented in a discussion.
For now, the feature is exclusive to a limited number of beta testers, and even the feature’s availability is determined by a server update. Although the function is now present in the latest beta version of the app, some of the testers noted that this function is not yet fully enabled on their devices, which suggests that the company is gradually enabling it to monitor the feedback and improve it further.
Privacy and transparency statements
WhatsApp wants its users to know that it does not have access to the images that are being shared with Google for reverse searching to avoid raising concerns over data privacy. It is an active feature, and the images are only posted after the users decide to perform the search. By leveraging the search function of Google, WhatsApp does not store or process the images on its own servers, hence enhancing the trust of users in image verification.
Increase misinformation control tools
Search on the Web is another new step for WhatsApp to provide its users with tools to fight fake news. It comes after other measures like limiting messenger forwarding and categorising the frequently forwarded messages that were intended at minimising fake news within the platform. WhatsApp, in its attempt to provide users with a simple way of identifying credible content, will enable a simple method of distinguishing fake news among its consumers, especially in the affected regions.
WhatsApp has not given an official date for the full implementation of this feature, though the company is likely to roll it out of the beta version soon. At the moment, users of Android beta can navigate through this function as a small step toward making the application’s users more aware of manipulated media.
