How Google’s search algorithm spreads fake news
Google’s search algorithm appears to be systematically promoting information that is either false or slanted with an extreme rightwing bias. Following a recent investigation by the Observer, which found that Google’s search engine prominently suggests neo-Nazi websites and antisemitic writing, the Guardian has uncovered a dozen additional examples of biased search results. Google’s search algorithm and its autocomplete function prioritize websites that, for example, declare that climate change is a hoax, being gay is a sin, and the Sandy Hook mass shooting never happened. The increased scrutiny of Google comes at a time of tense debate surrounding the role of fake news in building support for conservative political leaders, particularly Trump.