Google's recent launch of an online encyclopedia service, an area dominated by Wikipedia, has revived requests that the internet giant establish an Ombuds program. Industry experts are concerned that Google faces increasing conflicts of interest with its original function as unbiased search engine -– essential that Google may be tempted to point to Google content first. Danny Sullivan, editor in chief of Search Engine Land has proposed that Google hire an Ombuds to investigate ethical concerns and report back to the public. Although Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales wouldn’t want a mandated ombudsman, he says that “it would be good business sense for Google to offer.” (Christian Science Monitor; see also, Search Engine Roundtable.)
Related post: Privacy Expert Says Google Needs Ombuds.
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