Have you ever received an image on WhatsApp that made you wonder if it was real or doctored? Well, soon, WhatsApp might help you clear up those doubts. The popular instant messaging app is reportedly working on a new feature that will allow users to search shared images on the web, making it easier to verify their authenticity.
This upcoming image search feature is expected to be especially handy for identifying misleading or fake photos, which are sometimes shared with the intent to deceive. With just a few taps, users will likely be able to upload an image to Google and search for similar pictures or the original version.
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A great example would be when someone forwards you a viral image that seems a bit suspicious. With this feature, you can quickly search the web to find out more about it, helping to ensure you’re not falling for misinformation or fake news, reports WABetaInfo. Whether it’s a meme, a news story, or a social media post, this tool could become a powerful weapon in fighting the spread of altered or false images.
While the image is uploaded to Google for the search, WhatsApp itself won’t store or process the image or any related data, the report said. This ensures that your private photos stay secure within your conversations.
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The best part? The image search feature is expected to be available for all images, whether they’ve been sent by a close friend or forwarded multiple times. This means you can verify any photo you receive, no matter its origin.
WhatsApp is still developing the feature, so it’s not available just yet, but it will likely be rolled out in a future update.