What's the first thought that comes to mind when you need more information about something? "Google it", of course. When a brand's name becomes a verb, you know it's transitioned from a product to a lifestyle. Because Google is the most widely used search engine on the planet, there's a good chance you'll find answers to your questions there.

However, due to the lack of online content gate-keeping, it's difficult to verify the accuracy of the information you find. To combat the spread of false information, Google has come up with some tools for fact-checking information online. Let's take a look at what they are and how to use them to make sure you're getting accurate information.

1. Check for Highly-Cited Sources

The online news world is sometimes the worst depiction of the telephone game—the original publication tells a context-rich story, but details get omitted or distorted as more sources report the story.

To combat this problem, Google will now label pages that are frequently cited by other pages as "highly cited sources". The plan is to single out original sources so that consumers can easily get the full story from the proverbial horse's mouth.

Currently, this tool is only available in the United States, but it will be available worldwide in the future.

2. Use Fact Check Explorer

Screenshot of a Google Fact Check Explorer with 'Met Gala' in the search box and related results

True to its name, the Fact Check Explorer is an online resource that allows users to verify whether or not information has been fact-checked. It's essentially a search engine that gathers information from independent fact-checkers all over the internet.

You may see fact-check articles in your search results if you search for a controversial topic. Also, when you're using Google News on a desktop, you may see recently fact-checked claims from independent publishers in your area if they're related to the top stories of the day.

To use this tool:

  1. Open the Fact Check Explorer page.
  2. Once there, type in a keyword or a phrase in the search box and search.
  3. You'll get a list of claims, claim sources, and a verdict stating whether the claim is true or false. You'll also see the name of the fact-checking organization that provided the results and a link to the full fact-check article. You can open the fact-check article links for more information about the claims you're interested in.

We've previously covered the best fact-checking websites, so you can also use those for cross-reference.

3. Evaluate the Source

Many of the top-ranking results on Google's search page are from trusted, well-known websites, but we do occasionally get results from unknown websites.

Google's "About this result" tool will help you determine whether the website you are viewing in Search is reliable. Simply tap the menu icon (three vertical dots) on a search result, and you'll see a description tab pop up. The tab will contain information about the site, as well as your connection security status.

Screenshot of Google Search results page showing the About this result tab

If you tap/click the More about this page tab below the site description, Google will redirect you to an information page where you'll see the following details:

  1. When the topic you searched was published.
  2. An "About the source" entry. This is usually a Wikipedia entry about the site.
  3. The source site, as described by the site owner.
  4. When Google first indexed the website.
  5. What others on the web have said about a site, to get objective opinion.
  6. Other relevant search results on the topic to add context.

4. Check If an Image Is Taken Out of Context

We used to say pictures don't lie, but now they can. People can (and do) manipulate images with software to create or support false information. And sometimes these edits are so good that it's difficult to tell what's real from what's not.

Altered images aren't the only culprits of false information, though. Images taken out of context can be just as misleading. For instance, if an old image is presented as recent, or if it was taken in a different location or under different circumstances than those claimed.

But with Google Image Search, users can check the authenticity of any image on Google. A reverse image search will contain information about:

  • Where the image has appeared before
  • What other people have said about it
  • if it's relevant to claims made online
  • if it has been altered.

Here’s how to use this tool:

  1. Right-click on the image (only in Chrome Web).
  2. Select Search Image with Google.
  3. The search engine will show you where the image has been previously published online, along with its context.

The process is a little different if you're using a smartphone, but we've got you covered. Here's how to do a reverse image search on Android and iPhone.

In addition, certain images on Google may now carry a "fact check" label. These labels will include information about the fact-checking publisher, as well as information about the original context of potentially controversial images.

You can also use tools like FotoForensics to see if an image has been altered.

5. Use Google Maps to Confirm Location and Address

Screenshot of 360 degree view of a location on Google Maps

You can also verify locations and addresses with Google Earth or Street View on Google Maps. Since Google Maps offers a bird's-eye view of nearly every location on the planet, it's a great tool for confirming any event's location or address.

To use Google Maps:

  1. Open Google Maps.
  2. Enter the address of the location you want to view in the search bar.
  3. Adjust the image until you have a street view of the location.
  4. Compare the landmarks and surroundings on the image you want to verify with that on Google Maps.

This way, it's possible to verify locations and addresses without ever visiting the actual place.

6. Check News Sources for the Latest Information

Screenshot of Google News page with Top Stories tab highlighted

Another great way to verify information on Google is to find out what news sources say about the topic. Typically, Google will display Top Stories for news-oriented search queries, so you can consult news coverage for latest information on a topic.

Google prioritizes timely news results from reputable sources, and that can help you speed up the process of finding useful information.

To get started:

  1. Do a Google Search with the keyword or phrase about the topic you're interested in.
  2. Select News under the search bar.
  3. For more information and/or perspectives, search the keyword or phrase on Google News and select Full Coverage.
  4. To help you separate fact from opinion, there will be an Opinion label if an article is an opinion.

7. Wait For More Information

Screenhsot of a Google page with an alert to wait for more results

When news breaks or a new topic becomes popular, there may not be enough sources available online to provide additional context yet. In these cases, Search will display a notice in your results stating that it may take time for a variety of sources to publish information about the topic.

In these instances, you'll see a notification like "It looks like these results are changing quickly" or a subheading that reads "If this topic is new, it can sometimes take time for results to be added by reliable sources". If you see these alerts in Search, your best bet is to come back later when more information becomes available.

Stop the Spread of Fake Information

False information isn't just a minor inconvenience—it can be harmful. And curbing the spread of fake news has become even more difficult in this age of online 24/7 quick news cycles. But with some intentionality and these Google tools, you can evaluate online content and help to prevent the spread of fake info online.