Meta is reportedly collaborating with Google to aid the fight against misinformation on WhatsApp. The company is testing a new reverse image search feature on both WhatsApp Web and Android, allowing users to verify the authenticity of images shared on the platform.
According to a report from WABetaInfo, the feature will allow users of WhatsApp Web to upload an image to Google Search for a reverse image search. This will allow checking if an image is showing up anywhere else on the web, giving users greater context and helping them check if the image has been altered or manipulated. Uploaded images to Google for searching are going to be handled by Google, so WhatsApp won’t have access to the content.
Additionally, WhatsApp is testing a similar feature on its Android app. A new “Search on web” option is available in the beta version, allowing users to perform reverse image searches directly from the WhatsApp app. Users can access this option through the three-dot menu in the image viewing interface, making it easy to search images without downloading and re-uploading them to a browser or another app.
Though Meta has yet to officially confirm the rollout date, the reverse image search feature is expected to be available soon for both WhatsApp Web and the Android app.
