Before Elon Musk made verified checkmarks accessible to everyone via X, they were a status symbol on the internet, especially on social media. However, Google may be reviving this exclusivity. The tech giant is testing verified checkmarks in its search results.
Only a small group of Google users can see this new feature. It will look familiar to anyone who has used social media recently. Here is what it will look like.
This development comes with mixed implications. On the positive side, it restricts access for general users. However, it also currently excludes influencers and media personalities.
Their primary purpose is to verify the authenticity of company links, addressing a crucial need in light of the widespread spam issues plaguing Google’s search engine. Despite this effort to enhance user trust, Google has issued a disclaimer stating that it “can’t guarantee the reliability” of any business or its offerings.
Molly Shaheen, Google’s spokesperson for public affairs told The Verge:
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.
As mentioned earlier, this feature is only in its testing phase for now, so you won’t be able to see it just yet. It is unclear if or when Google plans to release this feature to the public.
