Google is testing a new verification feature that aims to help users avoid fraudulent websites. The company is experimenting with adding blue checkmarks beside business links in search results, similar to the verification symbols seen on social media platforms like Meta and Apple. These checkmarks indicate that the business is legitimate and not a copycat trying to mislead users.
In an official statement, Google public affairs spokesperson Molly Shaheen confirmed the experiment. “We regularly experiment with features that help shoppers identify trustworthy businesses online,” Shaheen told The Verge. This small test is currently visible to some users, but it hasn’t been widely implemented yet.
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Verified Checkmarks Appear for Major Brands Not Everyone Can See Them Yet
So far, checkmarks have been spotted next to well-known companies such as Microsoft, Meta, Apple, Amazon, and HP. However, this feature isn’t visible to everyone. For instance, when one user logged into a different Google account, the checkmarks disappeared, confirming that the feature is still in an early testing phase.
The checkmarks are not just a visual marker but also come with added information. When users hover over a blue checkmark, they see a message explaining that “Google’s signals suggest that this business is the business that it says it is.” This verification process is based on several factors, including website verification, data from Google’s Merchant Center, and manual reviews conducted by the company.
The feature bears resemblance to Google’s Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI) system. BIMI is already used in Gmail to display checkmarks beside verified senders, ensuring that emails are legitimate. It looks like Google is expanding this verification concept to its search engine, though the company hasn’t officially announced the roll-out of search checkmarks or provided a timeline for when more users will see them.
The addition of these checkmarks could be a valuable tool for users who are concerned about falling for online scams or visiting fake websites. With the rise of phishing attacks and fraudulent websites attempting to imitate well-known brands, this feature could provide peace of mind for users navigating the vast world of the internet.
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User Safety and Scams Reduction
In a digital era where online trust is more critical than ever, this verification experiment by Google has the potential to enhance online shopping and browsing experiences. By providing users with clear markers of verified businesses, Google is making an effort to reduce the risk of online scams.
While Google has not confirmed if or when this feature will be officially launched, its current testing suggests that the company is taking steps to further improve the safety of online searches. For now, users will have to wait to see if these blue checkmarks become a permanent feature in Google’s search results. But if successful, this experiment could be a game-changer in online verification and security.
As Google continues to innovate and experiment, users should stay tuned for future updates about the potential widespread release of the blue checkmark verification feature.
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