WhatsApp’s ‘Search the Web’ Feature Lets You Verify Forwarded Messages
Aug. 4, 2020Earlier this year, WhatsAppstarted testing a search button in betathat lets users quickly perform a Google Search to verify the legitimacy of forwarded messages. The messaging platform has now started rolling out the feature to all users in the stable version.
With this addition,you will see a magnifying glass next to messages that have been forwarded multiple times. When you tap on it, WhatsApp will take you to web search results that are relevant to the message.
According to WhatsApp, the feature works by letting users upload messages via their browser. This way, WhatsApp will not be able to see the message that you’re searching for. In other words,the feature will not break end-to-end encryptionon the platform.
Given the current circumstances, there have been severalrumors and conspiracy theoriesspreading on social media platforms and messaging apps like WhatsApp. WhatsApp’s decision to roll out this feature would result in curbing misinformation prevalent in the app.
WhatsApp is currently rolling out ‘Search the web’ option in Brazil, Italy, Ireland, Mexico, Spain, the UK, and the US. It is available across Android, iOS, and WhatsApp Web. WhatsApp should be rolling it out to more regions in the coming months. It is worth noting that you will have to update your WhatsApp app to the latest version available on Play Store or App Store to start using the feature.
Subin writes about consumer tech, software, and security. He secretly misses the headphone jack while pretending he’s better off with the wireless freedom.
