WhatsApp to Integrate Google Image Search to Combat Fake News

• WhatsApp is trying to combat its fake news problem by allowing users to check the legitimacy of images that users receive.
• A new reverse search tool powered by Google Images will be available within the messaging app as part of an upcoming update.
• WhatsApp is yet to officially confirm the feature, and it is unknown when it will be ready for release.

Fake news on social media platforms and messaging apps have turned out to be a major problem. Fake news on WhatsApp and other social media platforms have led to mob lynching incidents and deaths of innocent citizens in India and other countries. The messaging app is set to include Google’s reverse image search tool to help users know if images they receive are legitimate or not.

Code for Google Images integration was found by WABetaInfo on the latest 2.19.73 WhatsApp beta. Users can upload a received image using the new “Search Image” feature to scan for similar images. It will help users accurately judge the legitimacy of some forwards or simply fake news.

Image Courtesy of WABetaInfo

According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp will be using the official Google APIs to offer its reverse research feature. Users can already try out the feature from Google Images on any platform on web browsers, but reverse search being integrated with WhatsApp will make things much easier for users.

The feature is not available for users just yet, and it may be a while until the reverse image search makes it to the live version of the app. WhatsApp has been trying to combat fake news by restricting forwards, launching commercials to educate the masses and the implementation of a reverse image search feature is the latest move in the company’s ongoing efforts.

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