Verification Toolbox
When you encounter an image, video, or claim online and want to understand where it came from, these tools can help you gather better information.
The Goal
You do not need to prove whether something was made by AI. The goal is to gather better information about where something came from, when it appeared, what other sources say, and what evidence supports it. These tools help with that investigation.
The Verification Framework
Follow this order when checking something:
Pause before reacting. Find where it came from. Search independently. Check for independent confirmation.
Tools & Resources
Search using an image. Results may include similar images, websites containing the image or similar versions, and information related to objects or content in the image.
When you have an image or screenshot and want to see where else it appears or find related versions and context.
Finding or not finding an image does not prove whether it was AI-generated or whether the claim attached to it is true.
Visit Google, select "Search by image" or "Google Lens," and upload or paste the image.
Go to Google →Shows when Google first encountered a similar image and other pages where similar versions appear.
When trying to understand an image's history or whether an older version existed before the current claim.
Image history alone does not prove whether the current caption, claim, or interpretation is true. Availability may vary by region and device.
Reverse-image search that finds matching or modified versions of an image and shows where versions have appeared online.
When you want another way to trace an image, find earlier or matching versions, or compare modified copies.
No results do not mean an image is fake or AI-generated. A match also does not prove the claim attached to the image.
Search published fact checks about a topic, person, or claim. Aggregates fact-checking work from multiple organizations.
When a specific factual claim, rumor, quote, image claim, or widely shared story needs checking.
Not every claim has been fact-checked. No result does not mean the claim is true or false.
Some digital content includes metadata about its origin, creation tools, or editing history. This additional information can provide context about how content was made.
When looking at images, videos, or other media that may have content credentials or provenance information embedded.
The absence of content credentials does NOT mean something is fake or AI-generated. Credentials should be considered alongside other evidence, not as definitive proof.
Remember
These tools are helpful for gathering information, but they're not foolproof. Use multiple tools and approaches together. If something matters—especially if it affects your safety, finances, relationships, health, or important decisions—combine what you learn from tools with critical thinking and, when appropriate, advice from qualified people.