WhatsApp is testing a new Search on Web feature, currently available to select beta users, that empowers users to verify the authenticity of images directly within the app. This new feature will allow users to conduct a web-based search of an image, helping them confirm if the image has been altered, repurposed, or is potentially misleading. According to WABetaInfo, the feature can be accessed by selecting “Search on Web” from the three-dot menu icon while viewing an image in chat.

With the spread of misinformation and altered media on the rise, WhatsApp's feature aims to give users better control and context over images they receive. The reverse image search option allows users to find more information about the original source or other instances where an image has appeared online, providing valuable insight for users to assess accuracy without leaving the app.

How to Use the New Search Feature
To use the Search on Web feature, users simply open an image in a WhatsApp chat, tap the three-dot menu icon, and select “Search on Web” from the options. This reverse image search function will instantly provide context on the image, making it easier to identify any modifications or misleading presentation.

WhatsApp has made this feature optional, allowing users to decide when to engage with it. When an image is submitted for search, it is only used for the query and is not stored or processed by WhatsApp, ensuring user privacy.

Currently, this feature is available to beta testers with the latest WhatsApp beta for Android from the Google Play Store. WhatsApp plans to roll out this feature globally in the coming weeks, making image verification more accessible across its user base.