Google has begun testing a verification badge to authenticate official company websites in search results. The badge, which resembles verification seals seen on social media, is being rolled out experimentally to a select group of English-speaking testers, as reported by The Verge.
So far, the seal has appeared in searches for companies like Amazon, Apple, Epic Games, HP, Meta, and Microsoft. When users click on the badge, it confirms that the website genuinely belongs to the respective company, adding an extra layer of trust.
Google’s public affairs spokesperson, Molly Shaheen, described the feature as a tool to help consumers identify trustworthy businesses online. “We are currently running a small experiment that shows verification badges next to certain companies on Google,” she said.
Google uses criteria like website verification, data from the Merchant Center platform, and user reviews to verify websites. This feature is a potential way to combat online shopping fraud, including phishing attempts, where scammers often create fake websites mimicking well-known brands to steal money or sensitive information.
Gmail also uses a Blue Tick to authenticate addresses.
Gmail has also implemented a verification badge system based on the Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI) standard. This allows companies to display a verified profile photo and badge on their official email addresses, signaling authenticity to recipients. Companies must follow specific rules to qualify for this badge, such as verifying their domain.
Recently, Google expanded this blue verification checkmark to Gmail’s Android and iOS apps, enhancing security across mobile platforms. This addition helps users easily identify legitimate emails from businesses, reducing the risk of phishing and other email-based fraud.
