Avoid Fake Images With Google’s New Fact-Check System

A picture is worth a thousand words; it’s been said often enough to the point of cliche. False information abounds on the internet, much of it in images. Google has added a fact-checking system to its image search, which could help us all know when an image is fake. (Try not to share false images on purpose, ok?)

Behind the scenes: As Engadget notes, there are worries that the upcoming election will be manipulated with false imagery as well as fake news and social media posts. Google is now applying the same fact-checking technology it uses on YouTube, Search, and News (ClaimReview) for images.

How it works: When searching for images on Google, you now may see a fact check badge under the thumbnail image results. Tapping the little label will show you a summary of the fact check of the web page the image is from. Just like fact checks on Search results, the fact-check won’t affect a web page’s ranking, so the relevant information underlying your image searches should still appear at the top of your results.

Bottom line: Many images may seem obviously fake, but there are likely many more that aren’t as blatant. Having an independent check on the veracity of your images can only help slow the spread of misinformation across the internet.