Google rigging results? Can it be true?
Google Rigging Results?
Although the first time I had suspicions that Google is rigging results was way back in 2007 (another story that I’ll save for another time), I was still shocked when I read today of the revelations about the accusations being leveled at Google at the Senate Antitrust Hearing.
There has been precious little on the Web about this. And that in itself is a scandal. Google again? This story actually broke on 21 September. Why wasn’t it front page news? It’s important enough–most certainly.
The thing is, we rely on Google to serve up the best matches for our search queries. That’s how Google got so big. It has always proven itself best at doing just that. An institution (for that is what Google has become) this big, and this important, absolutely must hold to its core values, core ethics, and core reason for being. If it’s not, then it’s simply no longer Google.
That takes a few seconds to sink in, doesn’t it?
Think of the implications. Not just for business, though Lord knows that’s bad enough. But for science, politics, and Heaven help us, war.
If these accusations are true, and I for one believe they are, then it’s time we all started looking for alternative search venues. But more than that, it’s time we, collectively, started doing something to ensure that our Internet cannot be manipulated. The consequences would be just too damaging for all stakeholders.
Anyone with me on this?
What could be done, all you geniuses out there?
Search Engine Journal
SOSG
Isn’t it nice to know that you *can* choose a different search site? That Google isn’t forcing people to use their products? Now, if Google was somehow forcing us to use their products, or using force to prevent competitors from providing similar products, then I might be more upset about it. As it is, the only people who are really complaining are Google’s competitors, so I can’t help but conclude that there’s a large bias involved in their claims.