Islamabad, Oct 5: Google is testing a new feature that adds verified checkmarks to search results, a move reminiscent of the exclusivity once associated with verified badges on social media platforms before Elon Musk’s overhaul on X.
Currently, this feature is available to a limited group of users, and its purpose is to authenticate company links, providing a layer of trust amidst Google’s ongoing spam issues.
While this development could enhance user confidence when browsing, it also has limitations. Influencers and media personalities, for instance, are currently excluded from the checkmark system.
Moreover, Google has emphasized that these badges do not guarantee the reliability of any business, as stated in a disclaimer.
Molly Shaheen, a spokesperson for Google, explained in an interview with The Verge that this experiment aims to help users identify trustworthy businesses when shopping online. Although still in the testing phase, there is no confirmed timeline for a wider rollout of this feature.
