Manipulated images and disinformation: WhatsApp tests reverse image search

WhatsApp is currently letting test users check a new beta version of the messaging app that integrates Google's reverse image search. This allows users to find out directly in the app whether an image is disinformation or whether it has been manipulated. Currently, the image would first have to be saved and then uploaded to a reverse image search itself in order to check it in this way.

WhatsApp beta version 2.24.23.13 is too late for the US presidential election, as voting is almost complete. But especially in election campaigns like this one, images keep popping up that cast one party or another in the wrong light – or make them look falsely good. There are also fears of foreign influence. A few weeks ago , Meta therefore kicked Russian state media off Facebook, Instagram, Threads and WhatsApp.

But the reverse image search can of course also be used for other things, for example to obtain background information. If someone sends a photo of an interesting place, the recipient could quickly find out exactly where this place is and how to get there using reverse image search. Even supposedly famous people can be quickly identified by name if the sender does not provide this information themselves.

Reverse search directly in the WhatsApp menu

The reverse image search in WhatsApp beta version 2.24.23.13 can be accessed via the three vertical dots at the top right of the app's image view. There you will find the new menu item "Search on the web". WhatsApp promises to upload only the image itself to Google, no other information such as messages or user data. WhatsApp itself does not examine or share the image. In addition, the use of this function is of course up to the user; it is optional and is not carried out automatically in the background.

The reverse image search function is not only more convenient than manually checking background information, but also allows users more control and transparency over images shared when exchanging messages, writes WABetaInfo. Before sharing sent images with others, users can now quickly check for possible manipulation.

The reverse image search is currently only available to registered WhatsApp beta testers. However, the function is also likely to be integrated into a new version of the app in the coming weeks, which will be made available via the relevant Apple or Google app stores or updated automatically.

(fds)