It took forever for Google to do this but they finally did it. Google's new Instant Search Engine for both the web and mobile browsers gives users exactly what they want and need - Instant Prediction Results. Instant Prediction Results are good and all, but only one problem arose: Were the naughty/erotic words also included in this new Instant Search Engine?
"Google was asked about this “feature” during today’s Q&A session. Google’s Johanna Wright, director of product management for Instant, responded that Instant Search’s inability to predict your sexy queries is actually a safety feature to protect children. The same rules that apply to Google’s other products apply to Instant, so the company decided the best way not to deliver unintended search results for “Shih Tzu” was to disable naughty words in Google Instant entirely."
It was great that Google thought of this problem before it launched their new Instant Search Engine. While I do think it’s a good idea for safe search. It should be up to the user to decide whether or not they want a safe search option. Some consider sexual material to be unethical to human nature. However, who is to say or rule over the other people who want to look up such material at an instant? This goes back to what is stated in the Declaration of Independence “… that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” Google should consider this right for everyone. Sexual material is unethical, but isn’t taken someone’s rights away even more?
Google has a great search engine and has a good idea. It’s only a matter of time for Google to realize that it has to give it’s users an option to have a clean instant search. Sure it’s instant search saves time, but it for some it comes at a price –their rights.
Quote Courtesy of Mashable
Picture Courtesy of Blogboing
This is definitely a worthwhile issue to pursue, and I like how you introduced Google's statement. Try to embed the links better -- rather than crediting quotes at the end, make those quotes links so I can see the whole article. I also would like to have been able to click on google's statement and read the whole thing.
ReplyDeleteMy main comment here: that John Mayer song needs to stop autoplaying. I thought I was on MySpace :P
ReplyDeleteAs far as the post, Google is not removing your ability to search for smut, they're just not enhancing your speed. I assume if you want to look at porn and you're THAT concerned about speed, make some bookmarks. I'm sorry, but I fail to see an ethical issue in not helping a particular search query go faster. It's not a case of discrimination, and in fact, prohibiting minors from looking at pornographic material is part of federal law.