Google’s search algorithm appears to be systematically promoting information that is either false or slanted with an extreme rightwing bias on subjects as varied as climate change and homosexuality.
Following a recent investigation by the Observer, which found that Google’s search engine prominently suggests neo-Nazi websites and antisemitic writing, the Guardian has uncovered a dozen additional examples of biased search results.
Google’s search algorithm and its autocomplete function prioritize websites that, for example, declare that climate change is a hoax, being gay is a sin, and the Sandy Hook mass shooting never happened...
#1. "RE: Google's search algorithm spreads false information with a rightwing bias " In response to Paul D (Reply # 0)
I use Google Advanced Search and I haven't seen any of that - so far anyway. Using Advanced, the top sites I get are links to Wikipedia, NASA, EPA, EDF (Environmental Defense Fund) - none of the type of nonsense suggested in the automatic completion drop down using the standard search.
Instead, Advanced Search doesn't have an auto-suggestion feature (at least I don't have it) although once the search has completed clicking on the box showing what was searched for displays these far different suggestions:
Maybe Google assumes "basketeers" use the standard search, and so gives them what they want to see.
#2. "RE: Google's search algorithm spreads false information with a rightwing bias " In response to KJT (Reply # 1)
I think Google's search, by default, customizes results based on what you've searched for in the past. So if you've searched for "Climate Change Is A Liberal Hoax" in the past, you're more likely to see articles like that when you search "Climate Change." However, if you've searched for "The Science Behind Climate Change", you'll be more likely to see those kinds of articles when you search for just "Climate Change."
You can turn this off on a per-search basis (or by going to incognito mode where Google won't know who you are and thus can't customize results for you), but not many people would do this.
The purpose for this customization of searches is intended to be good. If you've looked for something in the past, then chances are you'll be looking for similar stuff in the future. Still, it can lead to an echo chamber effect where your preconceived notions drive your search terms which drive your results which drive your future results.
#3. "RE: Google's search algorithm spreads false information with a rightwing bias " In response to jasonlevine (Reply # 2)
I have set no customizations and I don't allow cookies, tracking, or localization (to the extent I can). The results I got were for the same phrase - climate change is - in Advanced and standard searches with widely divergent results. With the standard search, I got exactly the suggestions shown in the link Paul posted.
I just tried both searches using what is probably a little used, and not well known browser (Brave), in Private mode with tracking and localization denied, and got exactly the same results I got with IE11.
So, while you are probably correct, or partially correct, for many users, it seems to me there must be something more going on.
#4. "RE: Google's search algorithm spreads false information with a rightwing bias " In response to KJT (Reply # 3)
It might also be that enough people are searching "Climate Change Is a hoax" either due to Trump saying this or due to them believing this (despite all evidence). When enough people search for something, Google would put it at the top of the listings. Again, it's an unfortunate side effect of an algorithm designed to put often requested information ahead of less often requested information.
I did a Google search in Incognito Mode and got this. Note that this doesn't mean that the results were anti-science. Just the search suggestions. I didn't proceed to the results to check those.
