With the rise in spreading misinformation or twisted information, the authenticity of the shared messages was a concern for WhatsApp. To tackle these issues, WhatsApp introduced a fact-checking feature in 2020. The feature allows users to research the validity of a forwarded message and can ensure its reliability before spreading further.
The FactCheck feature is available in seven countries, and users can use them simply to Google the shared message. In this article, we have explained how you can use the Factcheck feature and research the authenticity of a forwarded message.
WhatsApp launched a fact-check feature aimed at viral messages
WhatsApp introduced this feature back in 2020. With the launch of a fact-check feature, WhatsApp users can strive at viral messages before forwarding any misinformation ahead. Users in the UK, the US, Brazil, Italy, Mexico, Spain, and Ireland can search on Google for the authenticity of a forwarded message before participating in the forwarding chain. Users can operate this feature from iOS, Android, and Web devices.
Due to end-to-end encrypted messages, WhatsApp cannot read or intervene in conversations. But fact-checking allows users to search for falsified information and root out its further spread. Users can upload messages having five or more forwards in a chat without WhatsApp breaking the encryption policy.
With more than 2.24 Billion users worldwide, spreading misinformation is a challenge to thrive. But the fact-check feature claims to directly search for the message on Google to end the long forwarding chains. The Facebook-owned company claims to cut the spread of viral messages by up to 70% with this feature.
How to use the WhatsApp fact-check feature
WhatApp’s fact-check feature is easy to use. It usually allows users to search for the authenticity of a viral message forwarded five or more times within the app. The viral messages have a “magnifying icon” beside the message.
Their users can tap on the magnifying icon and select “Web search” to directly check it on the Google search engine. Your device’s browser will show you a list of related messages. You can read them from the list and verify their reliability.
Back in the covid pandemic, many users received and shared messages regarding medication that can cure the adversity of Covid 19. On checking it via fact-check, almost three websites discarded the viral news. The company shared a screenshot and stated the importance of the fact-check feature in such crucial topics.
Back in April 2021, WhatsApp placed a limit on forwarding a message. Now, viral messages can be shared with one person at a time. It has cut the spreading of viral messages up to 70% and claims to be an effective measure.
Conclusion
With the increasing forward of falsified and misinformation through messaging apps, WhatsApp was also concerned with it. WhatsApp introduced a new feature in seven countries that allow users to fact-check viral content and end false rumors.
Users can use these features from their iOS, Android, and Web devices and operate them easily.
The feature comes with a magnifying glass icon beside the shared message. Users can click the icon and search on their web browser for authentic content.
Read this complete article for gaining a deep insight into the fact-check feature and how it is useful to users.
