Google Rolls Out 'About this Image' Tool Globally to Combat Misinformation Online

New tool as part of Google's misinformation combat arsenal allows users to confirm image credibility, providing additional context and image history; AI-altered images to provide explicit markings.

Google has rolled out its 'About this Image' tool globally which is designed to help users verify the credibility and context of the images they find online, including details such as when an image was first indexed on Google and how it has been previously used by other websites.
The tool also provides users with metadata, when available, which includes fields to indicate if the image was generated or enhanced by AI, contributing significantly to the fight against misinformation spread by AI-generated content.
The 'About This Image' tool is accessible from the Google Images search results page, and works in conjunction with other built-in Google Search tools including the 'Fact Check Explorer' which shows if an image has featured in previous fact checks, and the 'About This Result' tool that provides context for top search results.
Google has committed to ensuring that AI-generated images have a markup in the original file to provide context and is partnering with publishers to include AI-generated flags on images. Google's 'Search Generative Experience' is also exploring how AI can provide users with information about unfamiliar sources.
Despite these tools, users are still encouraged to exercise their own due diligence when confirming the credibility of images, as the spread of misinformation and AI-manipulated media is a growing concern, particularly in the lead up to major events such as the 2024 election.