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Did Google Manipulate Search for Hillary? [video]

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Re: Did Google Manipulate Search for Hillary? [video]

#31
post #28

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It's a bit of a strange example to make this claim about, since the argument that that post broke HN's rules is pretty easy. The balance between upvotes and flags (and moderation) on HN is pretty stable; it's been this way for years. It doesn't always produce what I think is the most interesting and important result, either. Probably true for most readers if not everyone.

What rule? That it's political? But it's not really. It's not about any specific candidate or policy, but whether Google censors search results. "Hillary Clinton is a jerk" would be a political article. "Google removes 'Hillary Clinton is a jerk' from search results" is not. >The balance between upvotes and flags (and moderation) on HN is pretty stable By what metric do you measure stability?

The video isn't that strong, really. I'd love for Google to make such huge mistake, and even think the hint of impropriety here is almost good for the public: to trust Google/SV less. But it's really not HN quality.

I'm sure if someone did a more comprehensive article on what autocomplete filters, along with how this might introduce bias even if fairly solid, HN wouldn't flag it. It could be political if it's comprehensive and clear. (Perhaps research why "Mein Kampf" shows up when searching images of Trump's book.) Even an expose on how SV money affects government should be fine. (I think it was on HN I heard about Google coordinating with the US to destabilize some place, maybe Libya?)

Dang is being excellent here, allowing the community to decide.

Honestly the only thing is the opaqueness of the flagging process. I was just caught by surprise after reloading a tab. On its merits it's just a weak video.

Re: Did Google Manipulate Search for Hillary? [video]

#32

If you type just "hillary clinton", Benghazi is in the autocomplete, so this seems like cherry picking to serve a narrative to me.

im not getting that. 'hillary clinton ' on Google: twitter facebook email age on yahoo: email scandal indictment for president criminal charges http://imgur.com/oxaQLOX

It changes based on who knows how many factors. Benghazi was showing for me when I typed the message, now it's not.

Google's autocomplete is likely based on recent searches, so it can suggest things based on very recent events. It will vary wildly.

Re: Did Google Manipulate Search for Hillary? [video]

#33

Earlier quoted context omitted.

im not getting that. 'hillary clinton ' on Google: twitter facebook email age on yahoo: email scandal indictment for president criminal charges http://imgur.com/oxaQLOX

It changes based on who knows how many factors. Benghazi was showing for me when I typed the message, now it's not. Google's autocomplete is likely based on recent searches, so it can suggest things based on very recent events. It will vary wildly.

ok that's fine. but if Google is so current with latest searches it's still pretty weird that "crim.." shows nothing but positive results. surely other terms are more popular now than "crime bill 1994".

http://i.imgur.com/vt7rcov.png

Re: Did Google Manipulate Search for Hillary? [video]

#34

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It changes based on who knows how many factors. Benghazi was showing for me when I typed the message, now it's not. Google's autocomplete is likely based on recent searches, so it can suggest things based on very recent events. It will vary wildly.

ok that's fine. but if Google is so current with latest searches it's still pretty weird that "crim.." shows nothing but positive results. surely other terms are more popular now than "crime bill 1994". http://i.imgur.com/vt7rcov.png

Right now, as I type this, typing "hillary clinton crim" brings up "hillary clinton criminal video" in the autocomplete.

You have NO idea how their autocomplete works, so jumping to conclusions about Google filtering for positivity, specifically for a candidate, is entirely stupid.

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