WhatsApp tests reverse image search function to combat faux news

Highlights:

  • WhatsApp is reportedly checking out a brand new feature
  • The function allows the opposite picture to search the usage of Google
  • This is an attempt to reduce the spread of faux news

In the decade, WhatsApp has helped hundreds of thousands of human beings join via instant messages and calls however has also been used as a medium to unfold faux information, a chance WhatsApp builders are nevertheless attempting tough to fight. In WhatsApp’s latest beta (ver. 2.19.73), the app is mentioned to include a choice that lets users carry out a reverse photograph search on snapshots forwarded to them via others. The new function appears to apply Google’s Search via Image feature to perform the different photo searches.

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Though noticed in a beta version of WhatsApp, the brand new characteristic continues to be not available for public checking out. For this motive, we could not attempt the feature out on our devices. However, according to the latest file with the aid of WABetaInfo, a choice referred to as ‘Search photo’ appears within the extended menu while an acquired picture is chosen. Tapping on the option brings up an alert with the message, “Search photo? This will upload the image to Google”. Tapping Search opens up the phone’s default browser to perform a reverse image search on Google, a characteristic Google Images has had on account that 2011.

How does this selection assist in combatting the spread of faux information? Once the consumer does a Google search for the usage of the picture, they can decide whether or not the news is faux or authentic, relying on the related search outcomes that pop up. If they see reports of something they’ve regarded as being faux, they’ll know. However, if there are valid information gadgets across the photograph they’ve looked for, they needn’t worry approximately spreading faux news once they are ahead of the image to their contacts.

WhatsApp builders have made numerous attempts to cut down the unfold of fake news, which turned into mainly high in India. In July last 12 months, the Facebook-owned agency implemented a restriction in the app that permits a consumer residing in India to forward messages and media to most of five contacts. The limit became later carried out globally. As you may tell, the developers are nevertheless operating tough to discover new approaches of stopping humans from spreading incorrect information.

Wendy Mckinney
I am a seo blogger at seoreka.com.also, a content marketer and a search engine expert. I have been writing for blogs, newspapers, and magazines since 2015 and have worked as a freelance writer. I have a BA degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.