WhatsApp Beta has introduced a handy new feature that lets users search for images received in chats directly on the internet. This tool can help verify the authenticity of frequently forwarded photos, track down their source, and debunk potential misinformation.
According to *WABetaInfo*, the feature is available in version 2.24.23.13 of WhatsApp Beta for Android. It uses Google’s image search to provide results. Before initiating the search, WhatsApp informs users that only the selected image is shared with Google, while the app itself does not access the content, maintaining the privacy of conversations with end-to-end encryption.
The image search option can be found by tapping the three-dot menu after opening a photo from the gallery within the chat. Here are a few ways this tool can help:
- Identify when the image was first posted to avoid confusion.
- Check if the photo is genuine or altered.
- Spot photos created by AI tools.
- See if the same image has appeared on other websites.
This feature aims to help users quickly fact-check images and combat the spread of misinformation on the platform.
Availability
Currently, the image search feature in WhatsApp is available only to a limited group of Beta testers on Android. During a test by us, the option was not yet accessible on some devices running the latest Beta version, suggesting that WhatsApp is still in the experimental phase. It’s expected that the testing will continue in the upcoming weeks before it is rolled out to the general public.
It’s also important to mention that WhatsApp already offers a similar option for text messages, allowing users to search frequently forwarded messages directly on the web. This existing tool helps users verify the accuracy of shared information and prevent the spread of misinformation, and the new image search feature seems to be an extension of this effort.
WhatsApp tests new shortcut for sending media
WhatsApp’s Beta version for Android is testing a new feature designed to streamline media sharing: a dedicated shortcut for opening the gallery directly from the message bar. This new icon is expected to replace the existing camera button, making it quicker and easier for users to access photos and videos without extra steps.
By integrating this gallery shortcut into the chat interface, WhatsApp aims to enhance the user experience, particularly for those who frequently share media. If the tests go well, the update could soon be available to all users in a future release.
