WhatsApp is preparing to offer its new reverse image search feature to its users by taking an important step in the fight against increasing disinformation on online platforms. This innovative feature, which was first tested in the Android beta version, was also made available on the WhatsApp Web Beta platform.
WhatsApp’s new feature will play an important role in the fight against disinformation
The popular messaging application will allow users to check the accuracy of the images sent to them using Google infrastructure. In addition, thanks to this new feature, users will be able to easily detect whether shared images have been manipulated or taken out of context.
The working principle of the system is designed to be very simple and user-friendly. Users will be able to initiate reverse image search directly from the web application, without having to download any images to their desktop computers. However, the entire image verification process will be managed by Google and WhatsApp will not have access to the image content.
However, there is an important point to address users’ privacy concerns: the user’s consent will be obtained before the visual search process is initiated. Despite everything, this new feature of WhatsApp is seen as an important tool in the fight against disinformation.
Additionally, WhatsApp continues to offer new features on the iOS platform. With the last update (version 24.25.80), the in-app document scanning feature became available. Thanks to this innovation, users will be able to scan documents directly via WhatsApp without using an external application.
Despite this, WhatsApp’s main focus appears to be combating disinformation. After all, misleading images shared on the platform can cause serious problems. Therefore, the new reverse image search feature will help users make more informed posts and check the accuracy of the content they receive.
These developments support WhatsApp’s goal of becoming a reliable and comprehensive communication platform rather than just a messaging application. However, users’ effective use of these new features is seen as an important factor that will increase the chances of success in the fight against disinformation.