How does reverse image searching contribute to fact-checking and verifying online content?

Reverse image searching contributes to fact-checking and verifying online content by allowing you to trace the origin and previous uses of an image, helping to identify if it has been manipulated, used out of context, or presented as something it is not. A 'reverse image search' involves uploading an image or providing its URL to a search engine, which then finds visually similar images and identifies websites where the image has appeared before. This process can reveal whether an image has been altered, such as through the addition of fake elements or the removal of original details. It can also uncover if an image is being used in a misleading context, such as being presented as a recent event when it is actually an old photo from a different location or time. For example, if you see a photo online claiming to depict a recent protest, you can perform a reverse image search to see if the photo has appeared in previous articles about other protests or events. If the image has been used in multiple unrelated contexts, it is likely that it is being used falsely or misleadingly in the current context. This helps to debunk false claims and verify the authenticity of online content.