Link: Google is testing verified checkmarks in search

Google is testing a new verification feature in search results to help users identify legitimate businesses. This feature displays verified checkmarks next to certain business links, indicating their authenticity.

Users such as Jay Peters noted the presence of these checkmarks next to big names like Microsoft and Apple, but noticed they disappear when switching Google accounts. This suggests that the experiment is not yet widely implemented.

The checkmarks, when hovered over, reveal a message saying, "Google’s signals suggest that this business is the business that it says it is." This verification is based on various data points including website checks and Merchant Center information.

Google’s spokesperson, Molly Shaheen, stated that such experiments aim to connect shoppers with trustworthy online businesses. Despite its potential utility, Google has not made any official announcements regarding the widespread rollout of this feature.

This initiative seems to build on Google's existing Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI) feature, which similarly uses verification checkmarks in Gmail. It is part of Google's ongoing efforts to enhance user trust and security online.

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Yoooo, this is a quick note on a link that made me go, WTF? Find all past links here.