Autocompleting Bettina Wulff: Can a Google Function Be Libelous?

[sysop]

Search engines attempt to guess what users are looking for and offer them suggested words. But can these terms constitute defamation? Former German first lady Bettina Wulff says they do, and is suing Google over searches that pair her name with terms like "prostitute." Google maintains it is an automatic mechanism.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/...856820,00.html

[BTraven]

“Both are to be feared and, in the case of Google, both come into play. Contrary to what the Google spokesman suggests, the displayed search terms are by no means solely based on objective calculations. And even if that were the case, just because the search engine means no harm, it doesn't mean that it does no harm. The Autocomplete function, the usefulness of which Google so guilelessly praises as a means of giving one's fingers a rest, undeniably helps spread rumors. Assuming that someone unsuspectingly begins to look for information on "Bettina Wulff" and is offered "prostitute," "Hanover" and "dress" as additional search terms -- where, independent of their actual interests, will users most likely click?”

So, it's the user who decides, and since the majority of people believes that being a prostitute is dingy let alone accept it as occupation which it is officially it must be a nightmare to find out that Google offers automatically the words “prostitute” and “escort” when typing in your name. It's no allegation, of course, but a damage to your reputation. I think it's not the fault of the algorithm. Google would be wise to delete some offers, however. I can't be so difficult.