Google denies it favours Islam
The search engine denies claims that it has filtered out phrases criticising Islam
The search engine denies claims that it has filtered out phrases criticising Islam
Reports that Google filters out criticisms of Islam, but not other religions, have been denied by the search engine.
If you type 'Christianity is' or 'Buddhism is' into the search engine, Google offers a range of suggestions to complete the phrase, reflecting the most common links found. Most of these suggestions are negative.
Top suggestions for searches for 'Christianity is', for example, include 'a lie' 'false' 'a cult' 'wrong' and other offensive terms. 'Buddhism is' brings up 'wrong' and 'not a religion'.
But type in 'Islam is' and no suggestions come up, leading to accusations that Google is favouring the religion.
Google has denied the claims, however, and says this is the result of a software glitch that it is correcting.
It says it aims to filter out 'pornographic terms, dirty words, and hate and violence terms', but that it is not protecting Islam from criticism.
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
Changing 'Islam is' to other similar phrases backs Google up, says the Telegraph. 'Islam must' generates the suggestions 'be destroyed', 'die', 'be stopped', 'end' and 'go'.
The leading destination for fashion, beauty, shopping and finger-on-the-pulse views on the latest issues. Marie Claire's travel content helps you delight in discovering new destinations around the globe, offering a unique – and sometimes unchartered – travel experience. From new hotel openings to the destinations tipped to take over our travel calendars, this iconic name has it covered.
-
TOVE Spring/Summer 2025: Restrained sensuality for the modern woman
Designs that celebrated the female form
By Penny Goldstone
-
Taylor Swift's sweet words about Travis Kelce are going viral
By Jenny Proudfoot
-
Pandora at LFW & Priya Ahluwalia collaboration
Ahluwalia has quickly become a standout favourite on the London Fashion Week circuit
By Basma Khalifa