Google tests verification badge in search results to reduce fraud

As part of a new strategy to combat the spread of fraud, Google is testing: displaying a verification badge in search results that certifies the legitimacy of commercial sites. The goal is to prevent users from clicking on links that lead to fake pages.

As described by threshold Last Friday (4), blue seal similar to the one Meta uses on its social networks, appears next to the site name in search results. If it is displayed, it means that the page is original and not an imitation that poses a risk to the visitor.

“We regularly test features that help shoppers identify trustworthy companies online and are currently We’re running a small experiment showing checkmarks next to specific businesses on Google” confirmed Big Tech’s public relations spokesperson Molly Shaheen to the publication.

When you mouse over the verification badge, the search engine displays the following message: “Google signals indicate that this company is who it says it is.” Big tech uses according to Shaheen Merchant Center data and manual reviews to check page suitability.

The tool is already available in Gmail

The feature tested in search results is the same as in Gmail. In Google’s email service, The blue seal displayed next to the sender’s name ensures that the message has been verified and authenticatedreduces the risk of fraud.

According to the report, a check mark was seen on links to the websites of brands such as Apple, Microsoft, Epic Games, HP, Amazon and Meta. But when you signed in to a different Google account, it disappeared; This shows that: The new feature is not available to everyoneright now.

It is not yet known when the verified badge on links in search results will be rolled out to the entire user base. This feature authenticates pages of companies participating in the Mountain View giant’s verification platform.