Facebook’s instant messaging platform, WhatsApp has added support for reverse searching viral messages to check if they’re fake. The feature allows you to search for a viral message on the web to see if it has misleading information.
On every frequently forwarded message, WhatsApp has added a new magnifying glass icon. This icon lets you search the message on the web directly to uncover the truth behind it. It’s part of Facebook’s plan to curb misinformation on WhatsApp.
How to Reverse search a viral message on WhatsApp
- Open WhatsApp app
- Open any chat with a viral message – a message marked with double arrows with forwarded label on the top
- Tap the magnifying glass icon and select “Search web” from the pop-up
You’ll now be taken to a page and from there you can see whether a viral message is trying to spread a myth or it contains facts.
The feature is available to all users in some parts of the world, currently rolling out in Brazil, Italy, Ireland, Mexico, Spain, UK, and the US. We shall update the article once the feature expands to more regions.