WhatsApp Tests Reverse Image Searches To Reduce Fake News

WhatsApp is reportedly developing some new features that can help its users to prevent the spread of fake news. According to WABetaInfo, the company will introduce a beta version of the app with an integrated web browser. Another notable feature is it allows users to determine the source of images they receive in their chats with others. The feature is called reverse image searches.

As per WhatsApp’s in-app browser, it won’t be the major factor to fight against fake news in reality. However, we can’t deny that it is still a necessary improvement in some cases. WABetaInfo also points out that the new version of WhatsApp won’t let users take a screenshot as well as record videos meanwhile they are running its in-app browser.

Among the new improvements, the feature to reverse image searches from Google is appreciated the most due to its clear benefits. That is shown especially when users send viral photos via chain texts on WhatsApp.

To comprehend more how the feature works, users will need the steps as follows: first, choose an image; second, upload the image to Google, and third, check the image’s real source.

After rumours concerning child traffickers and child abductions in India were spread on the internet, leading to about ten deaths, WhatsApp decided to label all forwarded messages, as well as forwarding limits on its platform. In addition to India, Brazil was the nation to bear unprecedented damages caused by fake news of the vaccine against yellow fever on an app. As a result, the disease was spread much wider than it should have been.

Besides, WhatsApp is conducting many other important steps to handle fake news, from providing rewards in cash for researchers who are researching how misinformation is spreading through its app, as well as looking for support from fact-checking organizations and law enforcement to struggle against fake news.