The checkmarks are only being displayed on a limited number of businesses, and are only visible to some users right now. | Image: Google / Jay Peters
Google is experimenting with a new verification feature in search that should make it easier for users to avoid clicking on fake or fraudulent website links. Some people are seeing blue verified checkmarks beside business links in Google search results that indicate the company — like Meta or Apple — is genuine, and not some copycat attempting to benefit from a recognizable brand.
“We regularly experiment with features that help shoppers identify trustworthy businesses online, and we are currently running a small experiment showing checkmarks next to certain businesses on Google,” Google public affairs spokesperson Molly Shaheen told The Verge.
My colleague Jay Peters spotted checkmarks next to official site links for Microsoft, Meta,…