Whatsapp adds search feature to help users fact check viral messages.
Whatsapp is adding a new feature to the whatsapp platform that let users get quick access to the the internet to fact-check the content of viral messages that was sent to them to differentiate between misinformation,fake information and real information.
The company has announced on it blog that the new feature will take effect immediately on messages that have been forwarded to too many people, the icon will show on messages that have been forwarded five times or more than fives times.
When the search icon is tapped, it reveals the related contents of the messages in the whatsapp message, with the motives that the information found will be used by the user to know any common conspiracy theories it misinformation the messages contains.
Whatsapp described such misleading viral messages in the image that was released on their blog.
The image seen above shows the image of fake news that claims that "drinking fresh garlic water will cure covid-19". Then the web search feature brings up three facts, including the WHO website which confirms that the forwarded information is fake.
According to Whatsapp;
"Whatsapp provide a special forwarded label to messages shared in chats that have been forwarded too many times.
"Earlier this year we set limits on how many times that can be sent at once to maintain the private nature of whatsapp.
"Today we are piloting a simple way to double check these messages by tapping a magnifying glass button in that chat,providing a simple way to search messages that have been forwarded too many times may help people find new results or the sources of information about content they have received.
"The feature works by allowing users to upload the message via their browser without whatsapp ever seeing the message itself.
"Search the web is being rolled out starting today in Brazil,Italy,Ireland, Mexico,Spain,UK and US for those on the latest version of whatsapp".
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