Topics
Latest
AI
Amazon
Image Credits:Google
Apps
Biotech & Health
Climate
Image Credits:Google
Cloud Computing
Department of Commerce
Crypto
Enterprise
EVs
Fintech
Fundraising
gismo
Gaming
Government & Policy
computer hardware
Layoffs
Media & Entertainment
Meta
Microsoft
Privacy
Robotics
Security
Social
Space
Startups
TikTok
Transportation
speculation
More from TechCrunch
case
Startup Battlefield
StrictlyVC
Podcasts
video
Partner Content
TechCrunch Brand Studio
Crunchboard
Contact Us
Google read it has address an issue with its search engine that pick up it displaying a “ where to vote ” panel , which admit a map of polling place , for some specific voting - related hunt but not for others . The tech giant even used the word “ fix ” to reply to the matter , despite the fact that Google Search was work correctly and as designed . In doing so , Google yield fuel to unfounded conspiracy theories that it was designedly displaying slanted results .
The issue was highlighted on hug drug by Elon Musk , whoaskedif others were realise the problem with the “ where to vote ” question , too , and later post an emoji of a face with a raised eyebrow when resharing another user ’s postal service show up the differences in two Google searches .
The trouble , according to Musk and his suspensor , was that users who look for “ Where can I vote for Harris ? ” would see a map display prompting them to enter a street address to find their local polling place . But those who enter the same query for Trump would only see a selection of top narrative and other standard hunting solution .
The cabal evoke did n’t hold water , though , as Google confirmed on X that the lookup locomotive was effectively working as intend given that “ Harris ” isalso the name of a emplacement — a county in Texas — while Trump is not . As Google pointed out in an tenner C. W. Post on Tuesday good afternoon , a similar map would appear if user searched for “ where can I vote for Vance ? ” ( Trump ’s VP pick ) , because “ Vance ” is also the name of a county .
That explanation should have been enough to expose the conspiracies mobilize on X that Google was displaying biased results . Despite this clarification , Google decided to change how and whenthe “ where to vote ” panelwould appear in response to these hunt , pull in it come along like the company was taking accountability for a mistake it made .
Ina post on Xat 3:22 p.m. ET on Tuesday , the search giant say a locating was come , add that very few people would actually research for voting information by appending the name of their county to their interrogation . At 3:38 p.m. ET , Googleposted“Update : This is now fixed . ”
As look , Google ’s parole selection — sound out it had “ repair ” the trouble — raised question from those prone to believing that Google was somehow trying to charm the election . Users on X questioned why , if Google had not done anything wrong , would it need to “ fix ” the issue . Others continued to call out Google for the fault and suggested various punitory actions like fines and lawsuits .
Join us at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
Google on Tuesday even answer to a request for commenting noting that the Where to Vote lineament is no longer appearing for searches that reference candidates like “ Where to vote for Harris ” or “ Where to vote for Vance . ”
Updated with Google ’s reply .
