Google searches expose racial bias, says study of names

A study of Google searches has found "significant discrimination" in results depending on the perceived race of names searched for.

Harvard professor Latanya Sweeney said names typically associated with black people were more likely to produce ads related to criminal activity.

In her paper, Prof Sweeney suggested that Google searches may expose "racial bias in society".

Google's advertising model is based on keywords and user behaviour.

The study analysed the type of advertisements that appeared on Google when certain names were searched for.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-21322183#TWEET581555