Using the magnifying glass icon, users will be able to quickly check the reliability of a fact by reviewing the related information found on the Internet. The new feature is designed to combat the spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories. For example, having received a message about some means that can effectively fight the coronavirus, the user can easily verify the reliability of this statement by contacting trusted sources.

Efforts by Facebook, the owner of WhatsApp, to control the spread of false information have been complicated by end-to-end encryption that prevents users from viewing messages. The new function will help users of the popular messenger to independently verify the accuracy of the information that comes in forwarded messages. The developers note that any information selected for verification is sent straight to the browser, so Facebook does not get access to it.

WhatsApp is currently available for Android and iOS users in the US, UK, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Brazil, and Mexico. When this function will become available to users in other countries, it is not yet known.