WhatsApp will soon help you spot misinformation here's how

Date:
Wed, 06 Nov 2024 11:51:39 +0000

Description:
The worlds foremost messaging app will soon add the ability to complete
Google reverse image searches from within the app itself.

FULL STORY ======================================================================WhatsApp
will let you use Google to reverse image search received images This may offer context and warnings for altered or misleading images The feature is currently rolling out to beta testers

WhatsApp is adding a new feature to make it easier to check received images for authenticity in an effort to combat the proliferation of misinformation, disinformation, and misleading content.

A new update will enable users to access Google reverse image search from within WhatsApp directly, which may in turn provide context and any evidence of manipulation or misleading the audience.

This update ostensibly aims to give users quick access to a basic form of fact-checking in an era where online misinformation presents as a major
issue.

The feature was found by WaBetaInfo in a scan of the latest test build (version 2.24.23.13) of the Android version of WhatsApp we arent sure yet whether the new feature will be coming to iOS.

To access the new feature, users simply need to open the image from the WhatsApp chat, tap the options menu represented by three vertical dots, and select search on web.

Its important to note that this wont always return contextual information this is more of a benefit of Googles reverse image search than a guaranteed effect, and the function may just return similar images.

And as Android Authority notes, the feature being hidden away in the options menu means it might take a while before reverse image searching becomes standard procedure not that it should be considered the end-point of fact checking either.

WhatsApp is well-known for its approach to privacy, and all messages sent through to platform are sent with end-to-end encryption.

As a pop-up note states when the feature is activated, images processed through the new reverse-search feature are shared with Google but not with WhatsApp directly.

The new Search on web feature is currently rolling out to beta testers, but
we expect to see widespread availability soon.

For the latest official updates as we hear them, be sure to keep up with our dedicated WhatsApp coverage , and Android coverage . You might also like iOS 18.2 could add Battery Intelligence to your iPhone, letting you know how long it will take to charge This could be the date when Google launches Android 16
and here's what's coming The handy Pixel Screenshots app is about to become even more useful heres whats coming



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/phones/android/whatsapp-will-soon-help-you-spot-misi nformation-heres-how


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