According to WABetaInfo.com, there will be a new feature to search shared images on the web. The purpose of the feature is to allow users to verify the image's authenticity and it's currently in beta for Android.
As seen in the screenshot below, WhatsApp users will be able to select an image and tap on 'Search on web' in the options (the three-dot icon on the top right). Upon tapping on it, the app will perform a reverse image search to determine if it has been manipulated or taken out of context. This feature is certainly useful for users to combat fake news and misinformation.
The reverse image search also relies on Google to gain additional information, but this is optional for the user. WABetaInfo says if the image is uploaded on Google Search, the information is never shared or processed by WhatsApp itself so that's good news for privacy. At the moment, there are no words if it will come to iOS but perhaps it's just not in beta testing yet.
The 'Search on web' feature will be rolling out to Android devices in the coming weeks after the beta tests are complete. Until then, stay tuned for the update and more trending tech news at TechNave.com.
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