WhatsApp is adding a new feature to its application, which will allow users to fact check and debunk frequently forwarded messages. This search option has been added earlier today (4th August 2020) and will appear in the form of a magnifying glass next to such viral messages.
Tapping on the icon will have WhatsApp prompt to pop up asking the user if they’d like to search the message on Google. This icon will pop up next to any message that has been forwarded to five or more people and is aimed at giving its users the ability to immediately fact check the possible conspiracy theory that is known to circulate group chats.
Editor’s Pick: Redmi 9 Prime for Rs. 9,999 (~$133) brings 6.53-inch FHD+ display, Helio G80, 13MP quad cameras and 5,020mAh battery
WhatsApp shared an example of this feature through a screenshot, in which, a website claimed that drinking fresh boiled garlic water will cure COVID-19.” A quick web search through the new feature brings up three fact checking websites which flag this claim as false. During this time of crisis, the spread of false information is just as dangerous as the infection and deceitful viral messages have become increasingly more common.
Since Facebook can’t exactly peer into the messages directly due to end to end encryption, the company hopes that the new search feature will help give more information and make its users more proactive in fact checking information. This is a highly appreciated feature and, hopefully, it helps curb at least some of the many misinforming messages that run rampant on the social media platform.
UP NEXT: OnePlus teases Zen Mode 2.0 and revamped Dark Mode ahead of HydrogenOS 11 event
