WhatsApp Fake News Problem: Rumoured“Search Image” Functionality Could Help Filter Non-Genuine Images

WhatsApp could soon be getting new functionality that is rumoured to help users to detect images that are fake. This could potentially lead to a scenario wherein content on the social messaging application should be relatively trustworthy, after this feature goes live. Also, at this point in time, it is worth noting that the fake image detector functionality is rumoured and may not even go live in the near future; but it sure makes sense to use such functionality to filter fake content especially now since that the Indian general elections are nearing.

As per WABetaInfo that quotes a recent update, on the Google Play Beta Program  reportedly lodged by WhatsApp (with this beta taking the version of the application to 2.19.73), there is a new “Search Image” feature which is said to be under test and which reportedly lets users to search images on the internet. Now, these images should be received through WhatsApp chats.

Upon going official, Search Image is rumoured to be available as a standalone feature selecting which users could apparently somewhat check out the authenticity of images as these could get uploaded to Google. Upon activating the functionality, the image is said to be searched on the web post which the results would be displayed to users through the browser.

Now, information regarding the image uploaded to Google could be displayed which means that users would potentially be in a position to understand at least a basic degree of detail about a particular image received in a chat. However, the complete authenticity of the received image may require detailed examination (by users).

This means that in case the Search Image functionality goes official before the Indian general elections this year, then it could lead to at least one degree of evaluation of content towards combating the fake news menace. Here, do share your thoughts on the rumoured WhatsApp Search Image feature. Are you expecting something on these lines before the general elections that are scheduled to begin from April this year?

Also Read: How WhatsApp Is Fighting Bulk Messaging And Automated Behavior, Before The Indian General Elections 2019