NewsGuard is a third-party rating system that evaluates news and information websites by assessing their adherence to established editorial and journalistic standards.
Readers typically encounter NewsGuard when using browser extensions or searching for online content, allowing them to gauge the trustworthiness of a website instantly.
External context
For website publishers, this tool provides a public assessment of their content quality, assigning a score from 0 to 100 based on journalistic practices. The rating is displayed directly next to the site's URL in search results and browser extensions. Therefore, maintaining high editorial standards is critical for any publisher seeking to maintain credibility online.
NewsGuard Wikipedia contributors, “NewsGuard”, en.wikipedia.orgLicence01What it is and how it works
NewsGuard employs a team of trained journalists who review each site against nine criteria, such as transparency of ownership, correction policy, and use of credible sources. After the review, the site receives a score from 0 to 100 and a colored badge (green for trustworthy, red for not). Search engines and browsers that partner with NewsGuard pull the badge via an API and display it next to the result.
NewsGuard checks news sites and shows a simple badge that says if the site is trustworthy or not.
02What to do about it
If you manage a brand’s website, you can apply for a NewsGuard review to get a badge. Start by checking the current rating on the NewsGuard website. If the score is low, follow the published criteria to improve transparency, add a clear correction policy, and cite reputable sources. Once changes are made, request a re‑evaluation through the NewsGuard portal.
03How it is measured or noticed
The badge appears in Google Search results when the search engine has integrated the NewsGuard API. In Chrome, the extension adds a small icon next to the URL bar. You can also see the rating on NewsGuard’s public directory, which lists each publisher’s score, the date of the last review, and any notes from the reviewers.
04Common mistakes
- Assuming the badge guarantees legal compliance – it only reflects journalistic standards.
- Ignoring the detailed reviewer notes – they point out specific gaps you need to fix.
- Waiting for the badge to improve SEO automatically – it is a trust signal, not a ranking factor.
05Limits and confusions
NewsGuard only covers sites that have applied for a review; many small blogs remain unscored. The badge is sometimes confused with Google’s own “Fact‑Check” label, but the two programs use different criteria and data sources. If a site is blocked by a country’s regulator, NewsGuard will still show a rating, but the badge may not appear in that market’s search results.
06Worked example
"Our health‑news portal scored 78 on NewsGuard after we added an editorial board page, a clear correction policy, and disclosed our ownership. The green badge now appears in Google Search, and we’ve seen a 12% lift in click‑through rates because users trust the label."
The entry above is written by GetLoopLoop. What follows is what independent catalogues hold about the same term — none of it is the source of this page.
- Introduced
- 2018
- Kind of thing
- Google Chrome extension, browser extension, company
The same term on Wikipedia
Catalogued in 5 languagesFrequently asked questions
How does NewsGuard differ from other trust labels like Google’s Fact Check or the Trust Project?
It differs in that NewsGuard provides a badge based on a detailed review by trained journalists against nine specific criteria, whereas other labels may rely on automated signals or community reporting. The NewsGuard badge appears next to URLs in search results and browser extensions, offering a more standardized assessment.
Should my brand apply for a NewsGuard review, and what factors should influence that decision?
It depends on how important a visible trust signal is for your audience and whether you have the resources to maintain the standards required. Brands that publish news or opinion pieces and want to demonstrate credibility often benefit, especially if they compete in a crowded information space.
Who actually reviews the sites for NewsGuard and what criteria are used?
It is done by a team of professional journalists who evaluate each site against nine criteria, including ownership transparency, correction policy, and source credibility. Their findings are then reflected in a simple green or red badge that signals overall trustworthiness.
Does the NewsGuard badge still appear if my site’s rating changes or the service stops operating?
Usually the badge is removed if a site’s rating falls below the threshold or if NewsGuard discontinues its API integration with a platform. In such cases, the URL will no longer display the trust label in search results.
What are the consequences if a site receives a low NewsGuard rating?
It can lead to reduced visibility in search results that show the badge, and users may perceive the site as less credible. Brands often notice a drop in click‑through rates and may need to address the flagged issues to improve the rating.
How long does it take for the NewsGuard badge to show up in search results after approval?
It typically takes a few days for the badge to propagate once the review is completed and the API is integrated. You can monitor the appearance by searching for your URL in Google after the waiting period.
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Asked out loud
spoken, not typedThe same term in the words somebody uses speaking to an assistant rather than typing into a box — written from the situation, which is why each one carries the situation it came from.
Yes, the badge can appear within a few days after the review is finished, so if the review is already done you should see it by tomorrow. Check the search results for your URL to confirm.
Usually you can see the trust badge directly in the search results or in the browser extension if the site has been reviewed. Open the search page on your phone and look for the green or red icon next to the link.
It means the site failed one or more of NewsGuard’s criteria, which can hurt credibility and reduce visibility where the badge is shown. You’ll need to address the specific issues and request a re‑evaluation to improve the rating.