Since the US Midterms are almost here, everybody has been talking about it. Google is joining in on the conversation by recently outlining how it looks to help connect Search and YouTube users with trustworthy information regarding the polls, thus helping combat misinformation and manipulation efforts across its platforms.
The Fight
First up, Google’s adding new section guidance within related Google Search results to help connect voters with accurate and dependable information. As per Google:
“In the coming weeks, when people search for “how to vote″ in both English and Spanish they’ll find election information panels sourced from Democracy Works, a nonpartisan and nonprofit data provider, which works directly with state election administrators to aggregate information about how they can vote in their state, along with key dates and deadlines, and guidance for options like voting early, in-person or by mail. The information panels will also link to state government official websites, which provide more information.”
This will ensure that people can access the latest, accurate information about their local polls whenever they need, helping to dispel all kinds of misinformation/manipulation efforts. On top of this, Google is also launching a new localized news coverage feature to help readers discover regional and local news from each state, thus better understanding the election coverage of races they’re particular about.
On the YouTube side of things, users will now be served updated search results for Midterm-related queries, with the platform’s systems better-recommending content from authoritative local and national news sources, including PBS NewsHour, The Wall Street Journal, Univision and local ABC, and CBS and NBC affiliates. Voting-specific searches will also be overseen by a new information panel that will direct users to Google’s ‘How to Register to Vote’ features.
On this front, YouTube’s also adding new information panels on candidate profiles and videos that will present key information, including their political party and what position in office they’re vying for. Come election day, YouTube will also showcase timely information about election results beneath videos and above the top of search results related to the midterms.
It seems that these new alerts will also link to Google’s election results features, where people can track official election results in real time. To add, Google will also be increasing its efforts to remove election misinformation and quash any remaining threat/s. At the same time, it’s also launching a new digital literacy campaign that’ll share tips about identifying different types of manipulation tactics for spreading misinformation.
The Wrap
It’s a constant fight, with malicious actors switching up their tactics in response to platforms updating their security measures. With digital platforms now playing a key role in disseminating news and info, all others must look to do what they can to resolve such concerns, ensuring a fair and unbiased civic process. Still, not even these efforts will spare Google from all the critics, who already claim that these so-called ‘reference’ resources are also biased, negating the whole operation. Google says that it only works with trusted partners and endorsers, which should at least help diffuse the situation, even by just a bit.
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