Google Sorry for Racist First Lady Image

[DearAbby]

SAN FRANCISCO (Nov. 25) -- Google Inc. is apologizing for a racially offensive image of the first lady that appears at the top of the list when users search for pictures of Michelle Obama on its site.

Google placed a text ad above the image titled "Offensive Search Results" that states "Sometimes our search results can be offensive. We agree."
Users who then click on the ad are directed to a letter from Google that explains its results "can include disturbing content, even from innocuous queries" but notes that Google doesn't endorse content on these Web sites.

Google says its search formula relies on thousands of factors to rank a Web page's importance, and says it doesn't eliminate search results simply because of user complaints. However, Google says it will take down images in certain cases, such as when required by law to do so.
"We apologize if you've had an upsetting experience using Google," the company wrote.


More at Link:
http://news.aol.com/main/nc/article/google-sorry-for-offensive-image-of/785058?icid=main

[Romulox]

1. How in the world is any of this google's fault again?

:wtf:

[Warpy]

3. Their software allows for "Google bombs"

in which offensive content can be pushed to the top of a search list.

Remember when "miserable failure" would get you to Stupid's site?

[Romulox]

4. Thanks. I was just doing some reading on "google bombs"

This is a new concept for me...

As an aside, the offensive image does not appear on the first page any more.

[anigbrowl]

2. I don't blame google for this

I blame the people who are linking to an offensive image to push it farther up the Google search results. I would far rather Google left the actual search indexing as an automated process rther than adjusting it to suit momentary political sensibilities. If nothing else, this is a good way to identify websites and blogs that pander to racists.