WhatsApp Web to Launch Reverse Image Search Feature to Tackle Fake Photos

WhatsApp Web is preparing to roll out a new reverse image search feature to help users identify fake photos and curb the spread of misinformation. According to WABetaInfo, this tool—already in beta testing for Android—will soon be available on WhatsApp Web. It will allow users to upload images from a chat directly to Google, enabling quick verification of a photo’s authenticity without leaving the app.

This new feature will be accessible through the overflow menu (the three-dot button) when viewing an image. By choosing the reverse image search option, users can seamlessly send the image to Google, which will then search the web for similar images and provide information about its origins. Importantly, WhatsApp itself will not have access to the image content during this process, protecting user privacy.

The reverse image search is expected to be especially helpful in catching manipulated, misleading, or out-of-context photos. By empowering users to verify images more easily, WhatsApp aims to help combat the rising tide of fake news and misleading media. This added tool will make it easier for people to evaluate the credibility of images they receive and share, providing an extra layer of security and context right within WhatsApp Web.