Yesterday’s WSJ article speaks about Google retooling it
powerful search engine to prevent fake news, hoaxes, and conspiracy theories
from appearing in their top results. They will be using algorithms and training
their search evaluators to weed out what would be considered “low quality sites”.
This change comes as Facebook took criticism this past election
season from doing little to block content. These measures will prevent fake
news sites from generating revenue through ad selling services. Ben Gomes VP of
engineering at Google sais .25% of daily search queries return “ offensive or
misleading” content.
Earlier in April Google added a "Fact Check" tag to some
results showing whether or not they were true or not. Google is relying in part
on its users to flag unexpected or inaccurate or offensive results that show up
in autocompleted searches.
My own view on this is, a concern that certain parody or satire
sites could be affected. Also where does the argument of free speech come into
play? I don’t agree with these misleading sites or conspiracy theorists, but
isn’t it their right to speak and have the same access to the public as anyone
else would. Shouldn’t it be up to internet users to determine what is true and
what is not?
Earlier today Stephanie Christie wrote an interesting piece somewhat related to the past election and the new effect media and data are having on the world of politics.
Earlier today Stephanie Christie wrote an interesting piece somewhat related to the past election and the new effect media and data are having on the world of politics.
Interesting point of view! Although it does become a bit scary when the fake news influences global elections
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that the users should determine what is true.
ReplyDeleteThank you, this is interesting information.