In a recent move, Google has adjusted its autocomplete algorithm to hide suggestions related to the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. This decision follows the July 13, 2024, incident in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump was shot and wounded during a campaign rally. The suspected shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, fired multiple rounds from an AR-15-style rifle, injuring Trump and killing one attendee.
Google's autocomplete feature, which offers search term suggestions based on popular queries, is under scrutiny for allegedly suppressing terms related to this high-profile event. Users have noted the absence of phrases such as "Trump assassination attempt" in the autocomplete dropdown, sparking debate over the tech giant's influence on public discourse and information accessibility.
This…is…insane.
@Google is engaged in active election interference.
They are gas-lighting the American people & trying to erase the attempted assassination of Trump. pic.twitter.com/g2h8DzkDON
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) July 28, 2024
The FBI has confirmed the ongoing investigation into the assassination attempt, treating it as a case of domestic terrorism. The Bureau has conducted numerous interviews and is analyzing digital media tips, including photos and videos from the scene.
The suspect, Crooks, was killed by the Secret Service's Counter Sniper Team shortly after the attack, and investigators continue to search for a possible motive.
Why is @Google suppressing the search about the Trump assassination attempt? These are all screenshots from this morning. Has there been a dramatic increase in Truman biographers in the last two weeks?
I’ll be making an official inquiry into @google this week – I look forward… pic.twitter.com/GD5SOvvcdX
— Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) July 28, 2024
Following the incident, misinformation and conspiracy theories proliferated online, with some claiming the shooting was staged. However, these claims have been debunked by multiple fact-checking organizations, including PolitiFact, which rated them as false, emphasizing that Trump was visibly injured and required medical treatment.
Google's decision to hide autocomplete suggestions related to the assassination attempt raises concerns about transparency and the company's role in shaping the narrative around significant events.
Critics argue that such actions could be seen as an attempt to control the flow of information, potentially undermining trust in the platform.
This incident adds to the ongoing scrutiny of Big Tech companies and their algorithms. Lawmakers and the public continue to debate the balance between curbing misinformation and ensuring open access to information. As the investigation into the assassination attempt progresses, the implications of Google's actions on public perception and information dissemination will likely remain a contentious issue.
Obviously folks, if you are depending on an algorithmic crutch for facilitate your search queries, the dependency will become debilitating, to the delight of thoe who would do your thinking for you. Start efforts to do the heavy lifting of pro-active critical thinking now or prepare to welcome your premature second childhood; cyber-nanny insistantly included!