Google Tests Verified Check Marks in Search Results to Help Users Identify Verified Sources

Alphabet’s Google is experimenting with check marks next to some companies in its search results, a company spokesperson said Friday, in an effort to help users identify verified sources of information and avoid fake websites.

Fraudulent websites that impersonate real businesses or services can appear in search results, which send users “scanning over false information about that business, deceiving customers and maybe damaging the brand,” Google said in a blog post.

“We often test features that help users recognize businesses they can trust online, and we’re currently running a small experiment showing checkmarks next to certain businesses on Google,” the spokesperson said.

Google said it already has algorithms in place to detect pages with “scammy” or fraudulent content and prevent them from appearing in search results.

The Verge wrote Friday that the development was reported, adding that it spotted blue verified checkmarks next to official site links for companies including Microsoft, Meta and Apple on search results.

Some users were only able to see the feature; therefore, Google has not rolled out the test yet, said the Verge.