It is a big step for WhatsApp to reverse the image search feature to combat the spread of misinformation. This innovative tool was first spotted in the WhatsApp Android beta release and now it’s on WhatsApp Web Beta to verify if the image users shared with him is truly genuine.
Using Google’s powerful reverse image search technology, the reverse image search feature will detect if an image has been edited, manipulated, or taken out of context. Beginning now, users will no longer need to download the image to start the verification process. Instead, WhatsApp will offer a simple shortcut from its web app to start the reverse image search.
How the Feature Works
If a user wants to search for an image on the web, WhatsApp is requesting permission to send that upload to Google. This will then open the default browser to initiate a reverse image search. Flight articles report that when Google does the whole search, “WhatsApp doesn’t get an opportunity to see the content of the image.”
The seamless integration with the platform of WhatsApp is to empower users with the capabilities to discover fake or misleading images and to make WhatsApp much safer platform for sharing information through images.
Broaden WhatsApp’s Updates and Privacy Initiatives
On top of this new feature, WhatsApp has been rolling out a bunch of updates designed to improve the users’ experience, especially on the iOS version. The latest app update (version 24.25.93) introduces:
- Augmented Reality (AR) Effects: Right through the camera’s image wand icon, users are granted access to confetti, star windows, underwater scenes, and many other effects.
- Customizable Backgrounds for Video Calls: New background options for your video call.
- Document Scanning Features: The app also simplifies document sharing with filters such as color, grayscale black & white, and auto-shutter.
And you can also get festive AR effects for adding to video calls, as we approach the New Year.
A Focus on Privacy and Safety
With its never-ending rollouts of features, WhatsApp attempts to keep its audience safe and private. According to the platform, in 2024 so far, India alone saw 73.6m accounts banned, and 13.7m of them were removed proactively between Jan and Oct. Key milestones in its privacy journey include:
- 2016: End-to-end encryption
- 2019: Face ID and Touch ID unlock features
- 2020: Disappearing messages
- 2023: Status Privacy and Silence Unknown Callers: Private Audience Selector
- 2024: iOS users – Group Context Card and Passkey Verification
Conclusion
Reverse image search comes as part of WhatsApp’s efforts to weed out misinformation and make its app a safer space for users. The messaging platform joins forces with Google to make it easy for users to verify images. WhatsApp remains a front-runner when it comes to delivering a secure and user-friendly messaging experience in its never-ending war against privacy.
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