The user AccuraCast at the Searchenginewatch forums started this thread which is also discussed at Threadwatch.com.
It mainly deals with the question if Search engines like Google and Yahoo should censor their searches for topics like “suicide searches” and deliver some handpicked anti-suicide sites before the other search results.
Both sides are represented in the thread, the people who think its ok if a search engine would censor such requests mainly argue by pointing out the moral aspect while the nay-sayers fear this might cause a precedence for more severe censorship.
I for one would prefer unfiltered search results but allowing for instance anti-suicidal sites to deliver ads for free somewhere on the page when someone uses the keyword suicide. This should satisfy both sides.
It should be clear that the only authority that decides if something has to be banned should be the law and not a search engine.
Search engines in recent years have started to filter out search results that they deem inappropriate. The majority of results are however related to copyright infringement. Search engines like Google, Bing or Yahoo are not displaying links to hotlines or help sites that could help people that search for suicide related topics overcome the issues.
Update: Search engines have remained neutral in the matter it seems. They do not display anti-suicide ads or pages when you are searching for suicide related terms such as “how to kill myself”.
I’d advise anyone to consult professional help services and resources like Help Guide or Suicide Prevention Lifeline for suicide help and information.
Another resource is Suicide Hotlines which offers toll free 24/7 phone support for suicide prevention and emotional crisis. Hotlines are available for all US states, Canada and even international.
Enjoyed the article?: Then sign-up for our free newsletter or RSS feed to kick off your day with the latest technology news and tips, or share the article with your friends and contacts on Facebook or Twitter.Related Articles:
Best Torrent Search EnginesTry This Search On Userscript Links To Other Search Engines On Result Pages
Add specialized Search Engines to Firefox
Firefox Boounce, Switch Search Engines Effortlessly
A Look At 4 Realtime Search Engines
Censorship in any form is wrong, provided that the person doing the search is of legal age to view the pages he/she is wanting to view. Just my opinion.
what about child porn ?
be a nice gesture if google would set up a Honeypot to divert inputs for child porn so they can pass on IP’s to monitor and clean the sites out they get there filth from also… might just save some vulnerable children from these maggots if their locked away for a very long , long time
[quote]Administrator said,
October 17, 2005 at 10:43 pm
what about child porn ?[/quote]
I should have taken that into consideration before commenting.
I hate censorship…but in some cases, such as the above mentioned, it should be put to use.
I think we should deal with the problem at the source. Censorship is like passing the buck, but wont stop social problems such as child porn.