WhatsApp launches factcheck feature aimed at viral messages

Users will be able to check truthfulness of messages that have come via five or more people

WhatsApp has introduced a feature allowing users to check the contents of viral messages in the latest move to root out disinformation and fake news being spread on the Facebook-owned service.

The feature, which is being piloted in six countries including the UK from Tuesday, allows users to perform a Google search on content they have been forwarded to factcheck claims and information.