WhatsApp working on new 'search' feature for future update

WhatsApp is working on a feature that will protect its users from getting decieved by fake images or images that may have been altered before being shared with them.

The new feature enables users to search shared images on the web and it is designed to help users identify potentially misleading or fake images that they receive, WABetaInfo reported.

For instance, if a user receives an image that may seem altered or taken out of context, the new WhatsApp feature will enable users to search for similar images or the original version of the image on the web to verify its authenticity.

The new search feature is currently under development and will be rolled out as part of a future update of Meta's instant messaging app. However, a beta version of feature is already available for users of the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.21.31 update, which can be downloaded from the Google Play Store.

According to WABetaInfo, when users initiate a search for an image, it will be uploaded to Google for the search, without being shared with WhatsApp, ensuring that the messaging app itself does not store or process the image or its caption.

Users may also use this feature to verify the legitimacy of images shared in their conversations from news stories, social media posts, or memes, which might be manipulated to spread misinformation.

It's important to note that the image search feature will be available for all images, regardless of how they were shared or frequently forwarded.

This means users can search for more information about any image they receive, whether it was sent by a close contact or came through a forwarded message.

However, the ability to search 'links' on the web will only be available for frequently forwarded messages.

Users will have full control over whether they want to initiate a search or not, ensuring that no data is shared without their explicit action.