[w1ntermute]

> The best thing for tech companies to do is to start destroying some political careers.

This could be pretty interesting. For example, maybe Google could mine the web (or Twitter their tweet data) for public information on politicians and start airing their dirty laundry. For example, if someone Googles a certain politician, it could show that information at the top of the search if the politician doesn't do what they want.

[pyrocat]

Wow, that's an absolutely terrible idea. I don't think Google would ever do that, if simply because the risk of it getting out is too great, it would absolutely destroy the trust of the brand.

[lifeisstillgood]

But, interestingly, there is nothing stopping us doing it ... I think it is still possible to game google results such that the top results for any politicians name includes "sex scandal of senator X" simply by a lot of people linking to it.

It's democratic (if you are happy for Russian links to count in your senators feeds)

[Tossrock]

That's called google-bombing and is a well-established phenomenon.

[lifeisstillgood]

Thank you - could not remember the term

[honksillet]

We don't want Google to be the next Stasi!

[tesq]

Too late.