This book examines the biases found on the internet, focusing on discriminatory practices by search engines like Google. It also addresses privacy laws and underscores users’ rights to control their own content.
What a dramatic and unsettling read. After completing Algorithms of Oppression, I am personally terrified by the amount of information search engines like Google collect and archive. This goes beyond freedom of privacy—it is about personal protection. It is frightening to imagine someone upset with you digging up incriminating evidence and using it against you without your knowledge until it is too late. Chapter 4, Searching for Protections from Search Engines, discusses this in depth, highlighting cases where people lost their positions due to earlier career choices despite making significant contributions to the public good.
Even more disturbing is the existence of websites like IsAnyoneUp, where users could post sexually explicit content along with names, addresses, and social media profiles, incriminating individuals for no reason other than malice.
In my view, no single organization should have control over personal data, and platforms like this should not be allowed. We have seen what happens when kids use social media to bully each other or when adults use it for inappropriate and illegal activities. Search engine organizations have an ethical responsibility to prevent such misuse.
As a practicing librarian and archivist, I fully agree with Tara Robertson’s statement, “Digitization: just because you can, doesn’t mean you should” (Robertson, 2016). We have an ethical obligation to serve as good stewards of information for the public.
Another critical point raised in this book is the fair representation of marginalized communities. The focus here is on how marginalized communities, especially Black women, are often represented unethically and unfairly. These communities face significant data discrimination, and with white males controlling big tech companies, the focus tends to be on personal gain, perpetuating a cycle of privilege.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) can impact the library and archival field by prioritizing content based on popularity or commercial interests. This bias can limit access to critical information, especially from marginalized groups. As libraries rely more on digital content, it’s important to address these biases and ensure fair, inclusive access to knowledge sooner rather than later.
Cheers!
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