WhatsApp Beta Introduces Image Search Feature To Check Authenticity of Images

Highlights

• WhatsApp new feature in beta will help users check the authenticity of images.
• Users can tap on suspicious images and “Search on Web” to verify the image.
• The feature is currently available to a small group of beta testers.
• It is expected to roll out to all Android users soon.

WhatsApp is projected to cross 3.14 billion active users by 2025. While this showcases the dominance of the app across the world, a huge active user base also means the platform sometimes becomes an epicentre of misinformation.

In its efforts to fight misinformation, WhatsApp is testing a new feature to help check the authenticity of images. 

As per a recent update, the feature will help users spot misleading or altered images more easily. It’s a step by WhatsApp to empower users to fact-check images right within the app.

Spotted by WaBetaInfo in the latest beta version (2.24.23.13) of WhatsApp’s Android app, the feature allows users to perform a quick web search on images shared in chats.

📝 WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.23.13: what’s new?

WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to search shared images on the web, and it’s available to some beta testers!
Some users can experiment with this feature by installing certain previous updates.https://t.co/FatAbFYHTA pic.twitter.com/FEjzeB7dwO

— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) November 5, 2024

According to WaBetaInfo, Users can use the in-app feature whenever they receive an image that seems suspicious.

All they have to do is tap on it, open the three-dot menu and select “Search on Web.” WhatsApp will do a Google reverse image search, which might help in finding the original source or detect if the image has been altered in any way.

This new feature basically allows WhatsApp users to quickly check images without necessarily having to download or upload them elsewhere.

It might take some time for WhatsApp users to get used to finding the option in the menu. Nonetheless, it’s a useful addition that could encourage more people to verify images before sharing them.

While this tool will be extremely helpful in identifying altered images and thus fighting misleading information on the app, there are also some privacy concerns related to sharing images on Google.

WhatsApp has clarified that while the image is uploaded to Google for the search, it isn’t shared or processed by WhatsApp itself.

Moreover, the feature will remain completely optional. This means as a WhatsApp user, you will have full control over whether or not they want to use it.

This feature currently is available only to a small group of beta testers. However, WhatsApp plans to roll it out to all Android users in the coming weeks.

FAQs

Q1. What new feature is WhatsApp testing to help check the authenticity of images?

Answer. WhatsApp is testing a new feature in its beta version to help users check the authenticity of images by performing a Google reverse image search.

Q2. How can users use the new image search feature on WhatsApp?

Answer. Users can tap on suspicious images, open the menu, and select “Search on web” to verify the image’s original source and detect any alterations.

Q3. Is the new image search feature mandatory for all users?

Answer. The feature will remain completely optional, giving users full control over whether or not they want to use it.

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