kottke.org

...is a weblog about the liberal arts 2.0 edited by Jason Kottke since March 1998 (archives). You can read about me and kottke.org here. If you've got questions, concerns, or interesting links, send them along.

Hard-Coding Bias in Google "Algorithmic" Search Results

Have you noticed that when you search Google for the answer to a mathematical calculation, the only result it lists is Google's own? I mean, just look at this obvious result tampering:

Google Bias

This "hard-coding" of calculation answers as the top search result goes against the company's supposed policy promising completely algorithmic and unbiased results. How are other mathematical calculation sites supposed to compete against the Mountain View search and math giant? What if 45 times 12 isn't actually 540? (I checked the calculation on Wolfram Alpha several times and on my iPhone calcuator and 540 appears to be correct. For now.)

And this isn't even Google's most egregious transgression. As Eric Meyer points out, Google is blocking private correspondence between private parties. That means that grandmothers aren't getting necessary information about erectile disfunction, people aren't finding out where they can play Texas Hold 'Em online, and the queries of Nigerian foreign ministers are going unanswered. There are millions of dollars sitting in a bank somewhere and all they need is a loan to get it out! Google! This. Is. Un. Acce. Ptable!

P.S. I think this "research" is obvious and the conclusions are misleading and biased. But then I don't have Ph.D. from Harvard, so what do I know?

By Jason Kottke    Nov 17, 2010 at 06:08 pm    Google   search

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