[HNisCIS]

Medical/psychological experiments involving human subjects are mandated by federal law to run through a review board. Did that happen here? This isn't a medical experiment, but I don't think its nuts to feel like maybe there should have been some oversight.

[kaonwarb]

I fear you may overestimate the median benefit of government oversight.

[HNisCIS]

I fear you underestimate the malice of the average tech company

[charcircuit]

This is only true for experiments funded by the government. In this case the experiment was funded solely by Google.

[loeg]

IRB approval is required for human subject research funded by private parties, too; not just government. But only really in the medical field.

[charcircuit]

>But only really in the medical field.

Looking it up, the exception where it is required is specifically for clinical investigations regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.

[malkia]

Does this apply to Netflix, Amazon, Disneys, and many other streaming providers's "What to watch next? Recommended..." of sorts (or music/podcast streaming services)...

[andsoitis]

Routing traffic affects not only the drivers using Google Maps, but also everyone around them IN REALTIME.

Netflix personalized recommendations affect only the individual, not those around them who are not using Netflix.

[malkia]

Oh yes, good point! Stand corrected!