(09-27-2025, 09:31 AM)UltraBudgie Wrote: That is a mighty broad brush you are applying the word "usually" with.
Sorry, just had to mention. Please continue back off-topic.
Not really, Google does what Google wants to do and always have. Is posting what others believe to be the truth now considered off-topic here?
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"However, the truth was more complicated. While the lawyer's letter said Alphabet had received pressure from the Biden administration to remove content on YouTube regarding the COVID-19 pandemic that "did not violate its policies," it also said it had made its own decisions regarding content "about how best to balance freedom of expression with responsibility, including responsibility with respect to the moderation of user-generated content that could result in real-world harm."
In other words, the company did not admit to censoring political speech on YouTube at the Biden administration's request. It said it had received pressure from the Biden administration to remove some content related to the COVID-19 pandemic that did not break its rules. It also said it had fought pressure to remove content "on First Amendment grounds." "
"The letter also said YouTube had terminated accounts that had repeatedly broken its previous policies, both on election integrity and COVID-19. Given that its rules had changed to include a broader range of content, it said YouTube would now reinstate those accounts. The letter did not say those policies were in place due to political pressure from the Biden administration."
Unpacking claims Google admitted to censorship on YouTube under Biden administration | Snopes.com
I recall when I started an entrepreneurial endeavour a very long time ago and I noticed that to get my company name near the top of the search list, Google needed to be paid, and a lot, or me and my company disappeared into the search void. Poof! Gone!
Google manipulates their site as Google wants to, and the same goes for those other sites because...free speech and they make their own policies/T&Cs, just like here on DI.