As social media consumes more of our daily lives, the
interference and influence social media content has on election have been hotly
debated since the last election. Now, this extends to the use of search engine
as well.
Google’s autocomplete feature suggests possible terms for search
based on what the user has started typing and their search behavior/history. However,
as US heads into election season, Google is removing suggestions that can imply
taking positions on any particular party.
In addition, it is avoiding providing suggestions on the
legitimacy of the voting process. For example, it will not autocomplete whether
a certain method of voting is reliable or unreliable.
Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, internet giants such as
Facebook and Twitter are all battling the spread of fake news and unreliable
information. However, it is interesting that this is now expanding to search engine
as well. If search engine provides auto-complete phrases suggesting one way or
another, it may be subject to manipulation to push certain political agenda. In
addition, with the increased scrutiny around legitimacy of voting method,
Google wants to avoid providing an opinion which may mislead the public. This
is a great example on how important timely policy setting is, and Google’s
sensitivity and fast reaction to these topics is applaudable.
https://www.npr.org/2020/09/11/911915056/google-will-block-its-autocomplete-suggestions-for-some-election-related-searche
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