Google expands ‘Fact Check’ tool to flag up fake news in search results

Google launched a fact-checking tool in its search and news results on Friday. The technology giant is looking to fight back against the spread of fake news amid mounting pressure on internet firms to tackle such content.

The search giant will not actually do fact-checking itself but will instead surface results from PolitiFact and Snopes. For example, if someone searches "27 million people enslaved," a result showing the actual claim, who said it, and whether it is true or not will appear.

Google has expanded its "Fact Check" tool to combat the spread of misinformation by flagging fake news in its search results. This tool now highlights fact-checked information across a broader range of topics and sources, aiming to provide users with more context when encountering potentially false or misleading information.

Key features of the expanded tool include:

• Fact-checking labels: Articles, claims, or news pieces flagged for misinformation will have a "Fact Check" label. This will show users the origin of the claim and the fact-checking organization’s findings.
• Partnerships with fact-checking organizations: Google verifies claims with third-party fact-checkers and authoritative organizations, such as PolitiFact or FactCheck.org.
• Global Reach: While initially available in select countries, Google has now rolled out the tool more widely, making it accessible to users worldwide.
• Increased visibility: Fact-checked content will appear in a dedicated section within Google Search and on Google News, giving users more direct access to reliable information.

Google has expanded its 'Fact Check' tool to help users identify fake news in its search results. This feature aims to combat the spread of misinformation by providing more context on search results, particularly for news and current events. Here’s how it works and what it means:

1. How the 'Fact Check' Tool Works

• When users search for topics prone to misinformation, the tool will display fact-check labels next to search results. These labels will highlight whether a claim is true, false, or disputed, based on credible fact-checking organizations.
• Google partners with third-party organizations, such as news agencies and independent fact-checkers, to verify the authenticity of information. These partners follow stringent guidelines and are certified by networks like the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN).

2. Why This Expansion is Important

• Combat Misinformation: With the rise of fake news, especially on social media and during major events (elections, public health crises, etc.), this tool is designed to help users distinguish between reliable sources and misinformation.
• Promote Media Literacy: By flagging fake or misleading content, the tool encourages users to think critically about the information they consume, helping to promote media literacy.

3. Impact on Search Experience

• The 'Fact Check' tool doesn't alter the search ranking but instead provides additional information to help users make informed decisions. It will appear as a brief summary, often linking to fact-checking articles or sources.
• This feature is part of Google’s broader effort to enhance the trustworthiness of its platform, as seen with earlier initiatives like providing context on publishers or allowing users to learn more about a source before clicking.

4. Global Reach

• Google is gradually rolling out the expanded tool across multiple countries and languages, making it more effective globally. This aligns with increasing concerns about the global impact of disinformation, particularly in politically sensitive environments.

The goal is to reduce the influence of misinformation and improve the quality of information available to users, especially in critical areas like elections, health, and breaking news.

This is part of Google's broader effort to tackle disinformation and provide more transparency in search and news. It reflects growing concerns over the impact of fake news on public discourse and decision-making.

In October, Google tested the feature in a handful of countries, specifically in Google News. The announcement on Friday marks the feature's wide-scale rollout.

Google said the information won't be available for every search, and there could be instances where the same publisher checked the same claim but came to different conclusions. Google emphasized that it was not checking the facts and that they are "presented so people can make more informed judgments."

"Even though differing conclusions may be presented, we think it's still helpful for people to understand the degree of consensus around a particular claim and have clear information on which sources agree," Google explained in a blog post.

Publishers wishing to be included in the fact-check feature need only add some code to their websites.

Google's move comes amid heightened criticism of internet companies' inability to tackle fake news and misinformation. Google has been one of the companies under fire and has been making moves to improve its approach to such content.

Social networking titan Facebook has also taken steps to tackle fake news content, including its own fact-checking tool, which tells users about to post a link to an article whether the claims in the article have been disputed. Facebook also launched an educational tool to help users spot questionable content.