Google’s New Image Fact-Checking Tools: Combating Misinformation in the Digital Age

The hype of easily available generative AI technology has made it increasingly challenging to ascertain the authenticity of online images. Earlier this year at I/O, Google provided a glimpse of its forthcoming “About this image” tool, designed to furnish users with information regarding the origin of an image. This tool is now being rolled out alongside other fact-checking features.

The “About this image” feature can be found in Google Search and serves to elucidate where an image was first published and its subsequent appearances online. Additionally, it offers insights into how other websites utilize and describe the image, as well as providing metadata when available. To see it in action, users can click the three dots on an image within Google Images results or select “more about this page” within the “About this result” tool on search results. Google has also indicated that additional access methods will be introduced in the coming months.

Notably, there was no mention of integrating this feature with Google Lens, which was announced as a work in progress at I/O. Google has confirmed that the development of Google Lens and other interaction methods with this tool is still ongoing.

In parallel, Google is enhancing its existing Fact Check Explorer by incorporating image search capabilities. Users can input an image URL into the fact-check tool, and it will furnish information such as the dates when the image was used, the context surrounding its use, and the URLs of websites that have employed it. This feature is particularly useful for debunking misleading images, as demonstrated in the example of debunking the “hurricane shark” meme.

Furthermore, Google is introducing the Search Generative Experience (SGE), allowing users to gain insights into the source of online content. As an illustration, if you’re interested in a specific small retailer that produces hiking boots, SGE will provide AI-generated descriptions of the sources, accompanied by information from reputable websites discussing that source.

Google’s concerted effort in image-related fact-checking is rooted in a 2023 study conducted by the Poynter Institute, revealing that 70% of individuals lack confidence in their ability to discern real from fake online images. A subsequent 2022 study by Poynter indicated that 63% of people encounter misinformation on a daily or weekly basis. These tools are aimed at combating misinformation and enhancing the ability to verify online content.