And when it comes to search engines like Google, the danger of that power is even more pronounced, as tech companies are increasingly gaining control of the lens through which so many of us view the world. By controlling search results, news feeds and more, Big Tech can, in essence, control the way users see the world. And by controlling what people see, the industry can influence how they think.
Dr. Robert Epstein, a Ph.D. psychologist who studies search engine manipulation, says that Google's efforts at swaying public opinion are even more dangerous than communist China's attempts at controlling citizens.
Expert warns that Google is going too far
Dr. Epstein recently came forward with his concern about Google's new commitment to censorship, stating that the invisible and insidious nature of Google's suppression is far more alarming than similar efforts taking place in China.
"To me, [China's manipulation] is scary, but people are aware of it. It's done openly by the government. I think what is happening elsewhere in the world that's being driven mostly by Google I think is much more dangerous, because it's mostly invisible," Epstein told PJ Media.
"There's no transparency, there's no accountability. It's a more ambitious kind of surveillance than that of the Chinese government," he added.
Epstein's criticisms of Google come after a damning document link revealed a chain of emails in which Google employees discussed ways in which they could manipulate search engine results during future election seasons.
Censorship is already here
Earlier this year, Breitbart uncovered another damning document from Google, an internal briefing document titled "The Good Censor."
The document reportedly states that Google and other tech companies that "control" most of the social media world were making a "shift towards censorship." As reported by Investors:
"Tech firms," the document states, "have gradually shifted away from unmediated free speech and towards censorship and moderation."
Google says the goal is to weed out bad actors, but admits that part of the reason for this shift is to "maintain global expansion," "protect advertisers," and "increase revenues."
Google says that document was just "research" and doesn't reflect "official Google positions."
As sources note, Google is crafting a search engine that will provide censorship to the Chinese government's specifications as we speak. Known as the "Dragonfly" project, some 400 employees have signed a letter of protest, declaring their objection to creating "technologies that aid the powerful in oppressing the vulnerable."
Regardless of what Google's "official position" on censorship may be, their actions and business deals speak for themselves.
Epstein contends that Google's censorship isn't the only thing that makes the company dangerous. Devices like Google Home are literally in-house spies. The psychologist cautions that a device like Google Home can hear everything going on in your household. It's an invitation for near-constant surveillance, and the information they gather, no matter how small, can ultimately be used to further their agenda. '
Google's tactics are hard to detect, Epstein cautions, noting that the company's actions are so subtle, they're practically imperceptible. Even apps downloaded to your phone or tablet ask for access to cameras, microphones, texts, and more. Privacy is truly a thing of the past; most people don't even realize their phone is spying on them.
See more coverage of Big Tech's latest atrocities at Glitch.news.
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