Google Search has been struggling for some time to actually deliver results that people are looking for. In fact, sometimes, you put yourself at risk clicking the top URL on a search results page, since hackers could buy out the ad space and place their own deceptively malicious links there instead. However, it seems Google is working on ways to make Search a bit more useful—at least, when it comes to trusting the sites displayed are really who they say they are.
As reported by The Verge, Google is testing out a new verification system for websites in Search: When Google can confirm the identity of a website, you may see a blue verification badge next to the company's name, similar to the badge social media sites use for verification. (Or, if you're X, for simply paying for the privilege.)
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
If you hover over the badge, you'll see the following message: "This icon is being shown because Google's signals suggests that this business is the business that is says it is. Google can't guarantee the reliability of this business or its products." So it's not an endorsement of the company itself, rather a confirmation that this is the particular business you're looking for.
At this time, The Verge has confirmed seeing the badge next to links for Microsoft, Meta, Epic Games, Apple, Amazon, and HP when accessing Google Search with a specific account. On other accounts, the badges didn't appear for these companies, which implies Google is testing the feature out with a limited number of accounts for the time being. For what it's worth, I don't see the badges on any of my Google Accounts.
Google confirmed the feature to Mashable, telling reporter Cecily Mauran: "We regularly experiment with features that help shoppers identify trustworthy businesses online, and we are currently running a small experiment showing checkmarks next to certain businesses on Google."
It isn't the first time Google has experimented with verification badges, either. The company rolled out a similar feature to Gmail this month, which is built on the Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI): Whenever a sender has adopter this new platform, their name will be accompanied by a blue checkmark in emails.
Whether you're looking for a TV, security camera, smart speaker, or streaming device, there's an Amazon device with a good discount that might turn yo
When moving Apple contacts from one device to another, sometimes you end up with duplicates. Luckily, with your iPhone, Mac, or even your browser, the
Opera is rolling out a new look on iOS. The company announced its redesigned iPhone browser, Opera One, on Tuesday, which introduces both a refreshed
Consumer technology is getting pretty darn good—so good, in fact, that there are fewer and fewer reasons to upgrade to something new. Many of us hold
There's a good reason those of us who write about tech typically advise readers not to install beta software on their main devices: Betas are, by defi
Most services are easy to sign up for. You enter some info, punch in those credit card numbers, and shazam! A subscription is born. The reverse isn’t
We are a dynamic information platform dedicated to delivering timely, relevant, and reliable content across a broad spectrum of topics. From the latest in technology and business to lifestyle, health, and global affairs, we aim to keep our readers informed and inspired.
Our editorial team is committed to maintaining high standards of accuracy and clarity, ensuring that every article provides value and context in an ever-changing world. We believe in the importance of accessible knowledge and strive to make complex topics understandable for everyone.
Whether you're here to stay updated on current events, explore thought-provoking features, or simply learn something new, our goal is to offer a trustworthy source of information that meets the needs of a diverse and curious audience.