Google Introduces ‘About this Image’ Feature to Combat Misinformation and AI-Generated Images
Google is rolling out a new feature called ‘About this Image’ to its search results, aiming to provide users with more context about online images and tackle misinformation. The feature will help users determine an image’s age on the internet, its original appearance on the web, credibility, and the websites where it has been used. It will also assist in identifying AI-generated images. By offering this information, Google hopes to address the spread of false information and enhance image understanding.
The ‘About this Image’ update is part of Google’s broader efforts to improve its search results. In addition to this feature, Google is introducing Fact Check Explorer and more information about sources using Search Generative Experience (SGE). These changes are intended to enhance image understanding and counter misinformation online.
With the ‘About this Image’ feature, users will be able to differentiate between news and hoaxes by knowing the age of an image on the internet. They can also determine an image’s credibility by identifying its original website and the websites where it has been used. Furthermore, users can verify if an image is authentic or AI-generated by examining its metadata.
The introduction of these new features will have a significant impact on other search engines such as Bing and Yahoo. As Google Search continues to evolve and prioritize innovation, relevancy, accuracy, and user-friendliness, it solidifies its position as the go-to search engine globally.
To access the ‘About this Image’ feature, users can click the three-dot menu in Google Search or use Google Lens on their phones and PCs. Google Search will now display the age of an image, relevant web results with the same image, and information about when and where it was published. The feature is gradually rolling out to users worldwide, so if it is not visible, users are advised to wait. Adjusting the phone’s language to English may also be necessary.
Google Lens, which utilizes artificial intelligence, allows users to find visually similar images, identify objects, and retrieve related information. It is deeply integrated with the Google Photos app on Android and iOS, eliminating the need for a separate Lens app. Users can use Google Lens within the Photos app to reverse search an image on the web, find similar images, and access information about products or objects.
In the future, Google may automatically label AI-generated images and fake news or misinformation, further alleviating the burden on readers to discern the truth. As Google continues to revolutionize the search engine landscape, the future holds intriguing possibilities. Until then, users are encouraged to stay tuned for further developments.
In conclusion, Google’s introduction of the ‘About this Image’ feature aims to combat misinformation and AI-generated images by providing users with contextual information about online images. By differentiating between news and hoaxes, determining credibility, and verifying the authenticity of images, users can better navigate and assess the information they encounter. With the continuous evolution of Google Search, it is poised to shape the future of online search and enhance user experiences.
