WhatsApp's new feature will help you fact-check forwarded messages

Officially dubbed Search the web, the new feature shows a magnifying glass next to messages that have been forwarded five times or more.

Once you click on this button, WhatsApp shows a prompt to search the content of the message in question on the web. Upon proceeding, the message is looked up to let you find relevant information, context around it.

The feature can come handy in getting the facts for any rumor/hoax, but given the current situation, it will be particularly useful in fighting off misinformation related to the COVID-19.

Also, regardless of the message, WhatsApp says it will not use this option to see the content of your texts. The feature will simply upload the message to Google, with your permission and browser's.

The new feature is being rolled out for both Android and iOS users but only in select countries - Brazil, Italy, Ireland, Mexico, Spain, the UK, and the US.

The company says it is running a pilot of the capability and hasn't shared details about a wider roll-out to other nations, including India, where fake news on WhatsApp has been a longstanding issue.

Given the problem of fake news and how much it has increased lately, WhatsApp has taken several measures to deter the spread of misleading messages.

The company recently imposed the restriction preventing users from sending a frequently forwarded message to more than one chat (contact) at a time. It even shows labels indicating that a message has been forwarded many times.