Google Search Introduces ‘About this Image’ Tool to Verify Credibility of Online Images
Google is taking steps to enhance online image credibility by introducing a new tool called ‘About this image’ in its search feature. The tool aims to provide users with valuable information about an image’s history, context, and authenticity. Rolled out globally for English language users, this tool is designed to combat the spread of misinformation and false claims associated with images.
With the ‘About this image’ feature, users can now easily verify the credibility of any picture they come across on Google Search. For instance, if you encounter an image of a peculiar-looking house and question its authenticity, you can click on the three dots displayed in the Google Image results and select ‘About this image’. This action will provide you with additional details about the picture, including its context, and confirm that it is indeed a real location in Poland.
However, even if an image is genuine, it can still be manipulated or shared out of context to spread false information. In order to address this issue, the ‘About this image’ tool offers users the ability to view an image’s history. It reveals when the image was first seen by Google Search, helping users determine if it is being used in relation to a current event or taken out of context.
Moreover, the tool allows users to explore how other websites utilize and describe the image. This includes news and fact-checking sites, which can help users cross-verify any claims associated with the image. Additionally, users can access metadata when available, which can indicate if an image has been enhanced by artificial intelligence. Google AI-generated images are marked up, making it clear when machine learning techniques have been applied.
In a move to support journalists and fact-checkers, Google has also integrated image search into its Fact Check Explorer. This feature provides a better way to gather information and verify the authenticity of images. Furthermore, Google is leveraging generative AI to assist with research, enabling users to obtain descriptions of sources more efficiently.
By introducing the ‘About this image’ tool and strengthening its image search capabilities, Google aims to provide users with valuable insights and promote media literacy. With easy access to information about an image’s history, context, and usage by other websites, individuals can make more informed judgments about the credibility and authenticity of online images.
