[Sigia-l] RE: morality, google and consequences of classification

[Mary Taylor]

Great discussion, though the classification angle is tenuous at best
since the are search results are determined by algorithms rather than
human editors.  I used to be part of the editorial team for MSN's search
engine, and we did have to review sites and create search result lists
for the most popular search results, even if they were for topics such
as morgue photos and the Aryan Nation. Do a search for the latter on MSN
to see how that particular issue was handled.  And in that case, it was
usually the opposite from Google's policy - pornographic queries and
content are filtered out, but you're still left with the issue of
handling these other difficult topics. 

Anyhow, I haven't worked for MSN for over 3 1/2 years (not sure if I'm
still under my NDA w/them), so I'm speaking anecdotally from my own
experience as a contractor, not as a representative of their
organization. But the issues are definitely familiar w/me. 

MK Taylor

Project Manager | Sacramento History Online
http://www.sachistoryonline.org



-----Original Message-----
Message: 6
From: "Eric Reiss" <elr at e-reiss.com>
To: sigia-l at asis.org
Subject: Re: [Sigia-l] morality, google and consequences of
classification
Date: Wed, 18 Dec 2002 17:05:20 +0100

Google might want to reevaluate their current mission statement - help
computer users find exactly what they want on the Internet.

Please note: it does NOT read, "help computer users who think like us."
Hence, any form of censorship runs contrary to the declared mission
since every piece of information, no matter how repugnant, will be
wanted by a computer user somewhere, sometime.

With this wide-open mission and no useful code of conduct, Google
essentially does as it pleases in terms of censorship until someone or
something forces them to do otherwise. I find this unpredictability the
most disturbing aspect of their operations.

Of course, I cannot imagine any code of conduct that would truly satisfy
all the people, all the time. As such, Google has two
choices: change the mission and censor, or keep the mission and let
others censor. Personally, I opt for the latter - why on earth should
Google appease the People's Republic of China or the Church of
Scientology?

Here's a thought. In addition to the "I feel lucky" button, Google could
add a "I feel morally challenged" button for fast access to evil sites.

Ahh...life was so much simpler back in the days of the Good Housekeeping
Seal of Approval...(hmm...Google Seal of Approval?)

Regards,
Eric

e-reiss aps
copenhagen, denmark

www.e-reiss.com




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