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WhatsApp adds search feature to fact-check messages

You can search the web to see if a forwarded message is accurate.

Alexandra Garrett Associate Editor
Alexandra is an associate editor on CNET's Performance Optimization team. She graduated from Marymount Manhattan College in New York City, and interned with CNET's Tech and News teams while in school. Prior to joining CNET full time, Alexandra was a breaking news fellow at Newsweek, where she covered current events and politics.
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Whatsapp's new search feature aims to combat the spread of misinformation.  

 Angela Lang/CNET

WhatsApp has released a new feature to make fact-checking a message a little easier. The Facebook-owned app added on Monday a magnifying-glass button to the chat that allows you to search the web for answers on questionable forwarded information.

By tapping the magnifying glass button, the forwarded message is uploaded to your browser, where you can see if the information in it is accurate. The search feature doesn't reveal the content of the message to WhatsApp, the company said.

The feature is rolling out in Brazil, Italy, Ireland, Mexico, Spain, UK and the US on Android, iOS and WhatsApp Web, which allows you to use the app on your computer. 

WhatsApp has taken other steps to stop the spread of misinformation. In April, the app limited how messages can be shared in an effort to control the spread of misinformation about the coronavirus pandemic. The app also marks highly forwarded messages with a double arrow to let you know the message didn't originate from a close contact.  

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