Google is updating its search results with an important new feature: an “about this result” menu that will allow you to get information from Wikipedia about a site in its search results, making it easier to examine sites that you are not familiar with .
To see the new information boxes, just touch the three-dot icon in the upper right corner of the result card, which will open a short section of the article. Google states that “these descriptions will provide the most up-to-date verified and originating information available on Wikipedia”.
In addition, the new search information box will show more detailed information about the result, such as whether it is an organic search result or a paid advertisement, or whether the site uses a secure HTTPS connection.
Google says the new result information was designed to help provide additional “peace of mind” during the search. But it’s also easy to see how the new tool can help users identify misinformation when searching for news or health information on Google. It is probably no coincidence that one of the company’s main examples is helping to determine that a site like The Lancet is a valid source of medical information for the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new feature is being released today as a beta version. The company says it will continue to receive feedback from users to iterate and expand in the future, although Google is not offering any concrete details about what it will look like yet.
The new feature “about this result” is being launched as a beta version starting today for English speaking users in the USA for mobile web, desktop and Android Google app.