The messaging giant has been quite actively taking measures to curtail the spread of false news. Thus, the most recent update to its Android beta version-2.24.20.28-displayed the company’s intentions in this regard. WhatsApp is testing a feature that might curb misinformation and enhance security within the messaging service: a newly added search in Google for web links and text content of forwarded messages.
THE CALL FOR MORE EXTENSIVE VERIFICATION
WhatsApp is the most popular messaging service globally, with over 2 billion users worldwide. It serves as a local and global hub of personal and public information exchange. This vast reach makes it also a fertile ground for quick propagation of misinformation or malicious links. Against this gap, WhatsApp introduced some tags, including “Forwarded” and “Frequently Forwarded.”.
The new feature, according to the findings of WaBetaInfo, goes even further to implement such measures. With this, users can now verify the authenticity of web links. Additionally, they can even confirm the validity of text within forwarded messages. This update does not just enable users to understand the nature of links but also lets them ensure that the information in the message is valid and, by all means, publicly available on the internet.
HOW THE NEW VERIFICATION FEATURE WORKS?
The beta update of WhatsApp brings into two main functionalities for link verification:
- Verification Using Google: Every time a user receives a forwarded message carrying an internet link, he or she can choose to search the link directly on Google. A pop-up message will appear, stating, “Get info about link” and “Search for text.”. Upon tapping of this menu, the bottom sheet menu will appear displaying “Get info about link” and “Search for text.” Upon tapping on these options, it would upload that particular message containing the link to Google to make analyses without compromising other messages in the chat.
- Content Authentication of Text: Once a person verifies links in a message, they can now also do the same with the text content of a message through Google. This feature supports authenticating whether forwarded information is correct or even misleading. Similar to the case of link verification, only that specific message is sent to Google, while other messages in the chat are kept confidential. This may mean that only certain content is transmitted, while other content is stored locally on the user’s cell phone.
This is an optional feature, therefore, privacy-based.
They have further clarified that this feature is totally optional. A user has to opt in first before using this feature, which ensures respect for the private space of users and data control. The only message that it uploads to Google for verification is the one selected; no other data is shared or stored anywhere on WhatsApp’s servers. This assures not only user privacy but also end-to-end encryption.
IMPACT ON MISINFORMATION AND SECURITY
It’s a great feature through this update, as it keeps users watchful against downloading unknown links or contents. Since WhatsApp enables its users to check links and texts very easily, they can clearly decide whether to or not make use of the malicious content. This feature helps in identifying the messages that have been forwarded multiple times, hinting at a likelihood of false information.
With Google Search integrated into its verification process, WhatsApp thereby ensures the best possible access to reliable sources. This makes it tough for malicious actors to spread falsehoods unchecked. This would be a capability that could help in the needed curbing of the spread fake news and the overall security of the platform.
WHAT’S NEXT?
A new link and content verification tool is already available to beta testers. However, WhatsApp will distribute it across all users in the near future. Though WhatsApp has yet to issue an official statement on the feature, the unveiling of the feature foretells its launch.
This new update ensure people that WhatsApp is committed to a safe and trusted environment for messaging. The app is constantly evolving, so users should expect even more innovative features put in place favorably in the name of security, as much as user experience will play a key role.
