WhatsApp Launches New 'Search on Web' Tool for Verifying Images

In view of the increasing level of fake news on the app, WhatsApp is now developing a new feature that will help users cross-check images sent to the app.

Open to beta users on Android and located in the 'Additional Options' submenu, the 'Search on Web' feature allows users to perform a reverse search with a few swipes of their fingers that can reveal alternative versions of misleading images often shared in such conversations. This functionality that uses Google's reverse image search is available in the latest beta version 2.24.23.13 of WhatsApp for Android.

The new feature is integrated into WhatsApp's media viewer, users can search for images by selecting any photo in a chat, clicking the three-dot icon at the top right and selecting 'Search on the web'. After confirmation from the user, the image is presented for search using Google's image search, so that users can look for more images that are similar to the particular image or trace the source of the image online. This option can be convenient and easily accessible for quick checks, especially when it comes to fact-checking potentially distorted or misrepresented visuals in a discussion.

For now, the feature is available to a limited number of beta testers, and even the availability of the feature is determined by server updates. Although the feature is now available in the latest beta version of the app, some testers found that the feature was still not fully enabled on their devices, indicating that the company is rolling it out gradually to monitor feedback and improve it further.

Privacy and transparency statements

WhatsApp wants to inform its users that it does not have access to the images being shared with Google for reverse searching to avoid concerns over data privacy. This is an active feature, and images are only posted when users decide to search. By leveraging Google's search function, WhatsApp does not store or process images on its servers, hence increasing users' confidence in image verification.

Increase misinformation control tools

Search on the web is another new step by WhatsApp to provide its users with tools to fight fake news. This comes after other measures like limiting messenger forwarding and classifying frequently forwarded messages, which were aimed at reducing fake news within the platform. WhatsApp will enable a simple way to identify fake news among its consumers, especially in the affected areas, in its effort to provide users with a simple way to identify reliable content.

WhatsApp has not given any official date for the full implementation of this feature, however the company may roll it out from the beta version soon. Currently, users of Android beta can navigate through this function, which is a small step towards making the users of the application more aware of manipulated media.