WhatsApp to add reverse image search to fight fake news

We are living in an age of information, yet most of it nowadays is fake. This raises serious questions on communication applications such as WhatsApp. Over time, WhatsApp has taken a number of steps to limit the spread of fake news such as limiting the number of forwarding messages. However, it seems the prior steps aren’t enough as the platform is aiming at yet another update to roll out a new feature. The company is reportedly planning to add Google’s reverse image feature. So, basically in the coming days, users will be able to cross check the images via WhatsApp reverse image search feature.

The feature was first spotted by WABetaInfo is simple to use. All you need is to highlight the photo to allow Google reverse image feature to do its trick. After the highlighting part, you will have to choose a “search image” option that will probably appear on the three-dot menu. Next, WhatsApp will launch a new window in the browser and will show possible matches. This is to help the users figure out whether the picture is legitimate, has appeared on the web or is doctored. WhatsApp reverse image search feature would be a great step to limit the spread of fake news and hoaxes. Below is the image that depicts the option in WhatsApp.

Source: WABetaInfo