Meta is currently taking increased action against the spread of propaganda and disinformation on its platforms. The group recently did so Russian state media banned from Facebook, Instagram, Threads and Whatsapp.
In view of the impending results of the US election, it will likely become increasingly important in the future to distinguish manipulated information and propaganda from facts. These considerations may have influenced Meta’s decision to have one Integrate reverse image search into Whatsapp played a role.
Reverse image search in Whatsapp: More control and transparency
In beta 2.24.23.13. Users have the option of accessing the “Search on the web” menu option by tapping on the three dots in the top right of the screen. The Google Images reverse search is then started, which means that the application searches the web for other sites where the image in question can be found.
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This allows image sources and contexts to be better identified and the contents of an image to be verified. Often, even unmanipulated images are simply taken out of context for propaganda purposes and disinformation. These then spread at breakneck speed via channels such as Whatsapp groups.
It should also be easier to clarify whether an image was generated by artificial intelligence using reverse image search.
Previously, for such a search you first had to laboriously save the image from the chat and then upload it to your own search – a crucial additional effort that was therefore certainly avoided. The new feature is now intended to bring more control and transparency for shared images.
Whatsapp image search should not mean any loss of data protection
However, the easier reverse search is likely to be interesting for more than just fact checks. For example, you can use the search to identify (famous) people in photos, find out which artist is responsible for a picture or where the places depicted are located if no relevant information was shared in the chat.
Meta dispels data protection concerns regarding the new search function: The image search should be purely optional, so it must be selected manually and does not run automatically in the background.
In addition, when searching, the image is uploaded without any further information such as user data or messages. Meta also promises not to examine or share the photos.
The feature is currently only usable by beta testers, but will likely be made available to all users in an update in the coming weeks.
Die Social-Media-Evolution
Die Social-Media-Evolution
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