WhatsApp latest feature 2020 : Verify fake news

The search message on the web can be used on the latest versions of WhatsApp Web/ Desktop to verify fake news. WhatsApp also stated that the feature is enabled on the latest WhatsApp for Android and iOS updates.

WhatsApp Web/ Desktop to verify fake news

Popular social messaging app WhatsApp constantly keeps updating its app to provide its users with a smooth messaging experience. After finally launching dark mode feature for both its Android and iOS users, the Whatsapp messaging app is now in talks to soon roll out an advanced search messages option, which will let users search messages on the web directly from the app, hence minimizing the spread of fake messages across the app by helping to authenticate forwarded messages via web searches on the same.

As per WABetainfo, the search message on the web can be used on the latest versions of WhatsApp Web/ Desktop. The website also stated that the feature is enabled on the latest WhatsApp for Android and iOS updates.

As the feature is not available right now, WhatsApp, however, confirmed that it will be available soon. “We are working on new features to help empower users to find out more information about the messages they receive that have been forwarded many times. This feature is currently in testing, and we look forward to rolling it out in the near future," a spokesperson told TechCrunch.

WAbetainfo also shared a screenshot on Twitter of a chat in which the search icon appeared next to a messaged that was marked forwarded. A lot of Twitter users also admitted spotting the search icon next to the forwarded messages but there many who couldn’t see the icon. To which, WABetainfo clarified that it will only work for the messages that are frequently forwarded.

(Image by WABetainfo)

There was however no confirmation when the feature would be officially rolled out for all the WhatsApp web users.

So how does it work?

This new feature, which is yet to roll out officially, shows a magnifying glass against the forwarded message. After tapping the icon, WhatsApp will ask if you want to upload the message on Google, so you can see if it contains fake news.

Once you tap on the icon, a message will pop up and read, “Would you like to search this on the Web? This will upload the message on Google." Tap on the ‘Search the Web' button and it will then search on Google.

Earlier, WhatsApp announced that it has pledged $1million to combat fake news or misinformation regarding the coronavirus pandemic. The amount will go to the Poynter Institute’s International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), as per HT.

Moreover, according to an earlier Mint report, WhatsApp also announced a $1 million donation to the Poynter Institute's International Fact-Checking Network and a partnership with the World Health Organization, UNICEF and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for the WhatsApp Coronavirus Information Hub to stem the flow of misinformation around the pandemic.

So Stop Spreading forwarded messages before verifying it by yourself.