[redm]

Google adjusts its search results all the time for business reasons but also for political or legal reasons. The PC description is "tuning the search algorithm". That may encompass any number of effects to the search results or Google interfaces. While I hate the idea of regulation, Google Search is such a basic utility in the US that it really should be regulated by the government.

Regulation is done on utilities like cell providers, cable/internet providers and consumers are usually aware of multiple choices. If I ask a non-tech user to name a search engine other than Google, they likely can't. So users do their search and interact with the results they are presented.

Edit: Removed my personal experience. Added thoughts on regulation.

[beambot]

How would that work? You want Congress to determine SEO rank?

[redm]

I expect it would prevent making changes that are not firmly based organic search quality; not changes that benefit Google's other businesses including advertising, maps, plus, etc. or political views.

[beambot]

So every algorithm change would require congressional approval. That seems very untenable.

[fulafel]

Would you have the US regulation to apply only to results served for US users, or everybody?