Fighting Misinformation: Google Search to roll out new tool to detect, fight fake news, manipulated images

Google is introducing a new feature called “About this image” in its search results to assist users in verifying the origins of images they discover online.

While the feature was initially introduced earlier this year, it is now being rolled out to a wider user base. Google has confirmed that this new feature is available to English language users globally.

When users encounter an image in Google Search or Google Images, they can access the “About this image” feature by clicking on the three-dot menu associated with the image. Selecting “About this image” provides users with vital background information and context about the image.

Users can determine when Google Search first detected the image or similar images. It also reveals whether the image was previously published on other websites, helping to rectify situations where an older image is inaccurately associated with a recent event.

Users will also be able to see usage and descriptions by other sites. This allows users to explore how other web pages utilize the image and what they say about it. It includes information from news sources and fact-checking websites, aiding users in evaluating claims made about an image and offering different viewpoints and evidence from various sources.

Where available, users can access additional information like the metadata added to the image by its creators or publishers. This information may indicate whether the image was generated or modified by artificial intelligence (AI). Images created by Google’s AI will contain this information in the original file.

The introduction of the “About this image” tool aligns with Google’s ongoing efforts to combat misinformation on the internet. According to a 2022 Poynter study, a significant portion of people, around 62 per cent, believe they encounter misinformation daily or weekly. The “About this image” tool aims to provide users with the means to swiftly assess content and gain a better understanding of the context of the images they encounter.

It’s worth noting that while this feature can be a valuable tool for verifying the source of an image, it relies on users actively taking steps to do so. The “About this image” feature empowers users to make informed decisions when they encounter images that appear suspicious or out of context, contributing to a more reliable online experience.