What Do Those Little Blue Check Marks in Google Results Mean?

To combat phishing attempts, Google is testing the use of small blue check marks next to certain search results. This feature provides a quick visual cue to help users assess whether a site is reliable or potentially suspicious.

Account verification has become an essential aspect of the web. Whether on X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, or even Facebook and Instagram through the Meta Verified offer, platforms increasingly display small blue check marks as symbols of user reliability. This trend is a response to the rise of identity theft and fake news.

Google has also embraced this verification system in some of its services, such as Gmail and the Play Store. Now, it appears that the tech giant is extending these certifications to its search results. Google has started placing small blue check marks next to certain search results to signify that the site is legitimate, owned by the stated company, and not a phishing page. Currently, only a limited number of users can see this feature.

Google Blue Check Mark: Spot Trustworthy Sites at a Glance

When hovering over the blue checkmark icon, a pop-up message appears, stating, "Google signals suggest this company is who it claims to be." This message aims to help users avoid entering personal or financial information on fraudulent sites. Check marks have been spotted next to links for official sites such as Microsoft, Meta, Epic Games, Apple, Amazon, and HP. "We regularly experiment with features that help shoppers identify trustworthy businesses online, and we're currently running a small experiment showing check marks next to certain businesses on Google," Google public affairs spokesperson Molly Shaheen told The Verge.

This new feature seems to be an extension of Gmail's BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) program, which has been available since 2021. This program allows trusted senders to display check marks in the email web and mobile apps. Google has not yet announced when verification badges will be rolled out more broadly or if additional users will gain access to the feature.

This latest move by Google underscores a growing industry trend toward enhanced online safety measures. As phishing attacks and misinformation become increasingly sophisticated, tech companies are investing in visual indicators that help users navigate the web more confidently.