Google does not censor Michelle Obama photo

My comments on the bravery shown by Google to not censor a photo of Michelle Obama

Author: Matthew Wittering | Published: 25th November 2009

Currently it seems there is always a Google story to report. Recently it has been about Chrome OS, Wave and Books. Today was different. Different by the virtue that Google was required to defend its position on the censoring of search results.

This debate was caused by a phenomenon called Google Bombing. What many have realised the Google ranking system for its search engine is based impart on the number of incoming links to an item of content. If enough incoming links are present and sufficient traffic it is possible to game Google. This can be largely innocent fun for Internet savvy individuals the World over. For example in 2004 bloggers where linking to George W Bush's official biography at whitehouse.gov with 'miserable failure' as the link text. This highly political statement was a fleeting distraction.

The 25th November was beyond the pale for common decency. I am of course referring to the Michelle Obama Google bomb depicting her as a monkey. The image appeared in search results because the algorithm which governs Google detected suitable merit according to its programming. According to a BBC News article the White House declined to comment on the event. Instead from the outside at least the First Family was focusing on the Annual Pardoning of a Turkey ahead of the Thanksgiving celebrations.

I am very pleased with this attitude the White House has taken. I feel to comment would have not helped the situation. Comments would have only distracted from the pageantry of the day and continued to over look the real issue.

Despite the vulgarity of the image it was a triumph for free speech. By Google electing to not tweak the search results and hence censor. They have strengthened their position as an impartial organiser of information. I say bravo to Google.

Google is not responsible for hiding loathsome views held my individuals which cannot recognise the human race in its majestic diversity. That responsibility is held by us. It should be our governing principle as educated people to improve our culture by expelling disgusting and regrettable points of view from our society. We must elevate ourselves beyond irrelevant and outdated opinions. Instead promoting a world of greater tolerance and interest to learn about others and finally vanquish xenophobia.

Update: 26th November 2009 12:02 am - Like clock work Google modified the search results as published by own opinions. Read more about the take down at guardian.co.uk.

Links

This work is licenced under a Creative Commons Licence

A brief introduction

Matthew Wittering I am a graduate of Lougborough University where I read Computing and Management BSc (Hons) earning a 2:1 classification.

Currently I am working in the Product Team as a Junior Product Manager at Ask Jeeves UK. Continue