Google has released a new set of tools that let users assess the validity of claims in Search in a bid to stem the tide of fake news.
As Facebook openly tries to control its fake news problem, other giants on the web are rising to hold the line. Today, Google released a new suite of fact checking tools in Search to help users establish the accuracy of a claim.
Rather than attempt to diagnose the accuracy of every article on the web, Google has elected to relegate such duties to third parties such as Snopes, among others.
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Instead, Google will now be able to display accuracy information when a user searches a particular claim; for instance, Google demonstrated the contextual example of querying Bob Corker’s claim that ’27 million people are trapped in modern slavery’.
As a result, Google now presents new card information that displays the origin of the claim as well as fact checking performed by third parties, such as PolitiFact.
Google has announced that it has parterned with 115 fact-checking companies to expand the feature; it is likely that, within the coming months, such contextual cards will proliferate across Search and – in addition to punishing the rankings of sites promoting fake news – will be the company’s means to help promote relevant and accurate content.
The Mountain View company clarified the rollout and applicability of fact-checking results in Search, offering that “This information won’t be available for every search result, and there may be search result pages where different publishers checked the same claim and reached different conclusions. These fact checks are not Google’s and are presented so people can make more informed judgements.
Even though differing conclusions may be presented, we think it’s still helpful for people to understand the degree of consensus around a particular claim and have clear information on which sources agree. As we make fact checks more visible in Search results, we believe people will have an easier time reviewing and assessing these fact checks, and making their own informed opinions.”
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What are your thoughts? Would you make use of Google’s new Search tools to help you identify the validity of claims you come across in real life or on the web? Be sure to let us know your opinion in the comments below!
Follow Bryan Smith on Twitter: @bryansmithSA
