Google Search Update: More Website Context & Reputation
Enhancing Search Result Transparency: Google's New Features
Google is implementing changes to its search results designed to bolster the media literacy of internet users. The company is broadening the functionality of its “About this Result” tool, initially launched earlier this year. This expansion now incorporates details concerning the source of information itself.
Expanded Source Information
The updated feature will present users with a source’s description sourced from Wikipedia, alongside the site’s self-description, if available. Furthermore, it will aggregate news articles, reviews, and other contextual data to facilitate a more informed evaluation of both familiar and unfamiliar websites.
Introduced in February, the original “About this Result” provided a concise description, often drawn from Wikipedia, and confirmed a secure connection to the website. These core elements remain.
Deeper Insights into Website Origins and Identity
Soon, the information panel will be enriched with further details. Beyond a Wikipedia summary, the panel will now feature the website’s own portrayal of its purpose and identity, extracted directly from its pages. Many sites include an “about” section detailing their authors, publishers, or overall mission; this information will now be readily accessible.
Users will also be able to see when a website was first established. This detail can assist in discerning between long-standing, reputable sites and newer platforms potentially linked to recent misinformation campaigns.
Reputation and External Perspectives
Google will also provide links to additional information about the source, as indexed across the web. This allows users to examine what others are saying about the site, including coverage from news organizations, user reviews, and assessments from organizations like the Better Business Bureau.
The “others” section will be populated by Google Search results from the open web, identifying pages offering context about the website. Google emphasizes its commitment to prioritizing helpful results that are independent of the source website itself, ensuring unbiased perspectives.
Exploring Related Topics
An “About the Topic” feature is also being introduced. This will direct searchers to further information regarding their original query, including prominent news coverage and related search results. This aims to broaden understanding and potentially counteract the formation of “filter bubbles”.
These updates were announced by Danielle Romain, Google’s VP of Trust, during the Search On live event.
Rollout and Availability
While not yet live, the new features will be deployed in the “coming weeks” initially in English within the United States. Google intends to expand the availability of “About this Result” to additional countries in the future.
