[opticalfiber]

Actually, the ruling stated that there was no evidence of Yelp behaving the way they were accused of. It went on to say that, even if they were, it would at worst constitute hard bargaining and not extortion.

I worked at Yelp for two years as a software engineer. I have seen everything there is to see: the code, the databases, etc. There is no extortion table. There is no extortion code. Businesses like to make this claim because it generates sympathy and attention. It's just not true.

[mikeash]

Why would any of it show up in the code? As I recall, what Yelp is accused of is making fake bad reviews that go away if you give them money. That could easily be a manual process done by sales people.

[opticalfiber]

The sales people don't have access to the content moderation systems. As far as it showing up in code, I was just making the point that there is no file containing something like

  if business_has_paid_extortion_money:
    show_good_reviews()
  else:
    show_bad_reviews()

... which is how people seem to think it works.

There is also no code to allow manual review ordering. They are sorted according by an algorithm with a variety of inputs including who you are friends with, who has Elite status, etc.

[mikeash]

I've never seen anyone say they think it's automated. As for sales people not having access, who does, and how do you know they don't abuse it?

[grillvogel]

what is "extortion code"? you just need someone with admin privileges to do whatever they want to the reviews.

[minikites]

Interesting that my comment went from +3 to -2 after you posted this, are you on the HN extortion squad too? ;)

[resu_nimda]

It could be because you posted a link to Jezebel, which is largely reactionary manufactured-outrage shlock. "Hey guys the courts totally said that Yelp is free to do whatever extortion they want, isn't that crazy?! Get your pitchforks out!" Their style is just not conducive to civil, well-reasoned discussion.

[opticalfiber]

You've discovered my secret. The squad will be along shortly to silence you... Mwahaha!