WhatsApp Testing A New Feature That Helps You Avoid Misinformation About COVID-19

Dhir Acharya - Mar 23, 2020

WhatsApp is testing a new feature that could help its 2 billion users tell between real and fake news more easily amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the most recent beta version of its Android app, the company has made it possible for users to quickly browse the web with the content they have received to see more context.

The feature has been under testing in some capacity for months now. But according to a spokesperson of the company, the popular messaging platform will likely launch the feature in the near future. The spokesperson reportedly said that the firm is developing new features to help users with finding more info about the content they receive through messages that have been forwarded a lot.

The testing of this feature comes at a time when several messaging platforms, including WhatsApp itself, are being used more than ever because people are keeping contact with their friends and family amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The feature will help users get better information about the content they receive

Like in the past with other disasters, WhatsApp and other platforms are struggling with misinformation and fake news related to the spread of COVID-19. However, the company has taken action much faster this time. In February, the firm reached out to governments to assist them in providing accurate info to people.

Last week, Indian announced a WhatsApp chatbot to help people in the country be better informed about the pandemic. Meanwhile, WHO announced a bot on the platform globally to bust myths about COVID-19, as well as answer frequently asked questions relating to the disease.