Google is now providing (more) accurate backlink information in Webmaster Central. There is now a Links tab that will allow you to check your site backlinks. According to Google , "Now you can use webmaster tools to view a much larger sample of links to pages on your site that we found on the web. Unlike the link: operator, this data is much more comprehensive and can be classified, filtered, and downloaded. All you need to do is verify site ownership to see this information."
Matt Cutts says that the tool is not showing 100% of the backlinks from Google yet, but he expects it to grow. Another point that Matt makes is "Do not assume just because you see a backlink that it’s carrying weight." Since the bold is his and he says this twice, my guess is that this is an important point that he wants to make. :)
This is certainly a welcome addition to the other tools available in Webmaster Central.
