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Daily Archives: November 15, 2010

Hard-Coding Bias in Google "Algorithmic" Search Results

Hard-Coding Bias in Google “Algorithmic” Search Results, Benjamin Edelman – November 15, 2010

  • “I present categories of searches for which available evidence indicates Google has “hard-coded” its own links to appear at the top of algorithmic search results, and I offer a methodology for detecting certain kinds of tampering by comparing Google results for similar searches. I compare Google’s hard-coded results with Google’s public statements and promises, including a dozen denials but at least one admission. I tabulate affected search terms and examine other mechanisms also granting favored placement to Google’s ancillary services. I conclude by analyzing the impact of Google’s tampering on users and competition, and by proposing principles to block Google’s bias.”
  • USDA – Household Food Security in the United States, 2009

    Household Food Security in the United States, 2009 – By Mark Nord, Alisha Coleman-Jensen, Margaret Andrews, and Steven Carlson. Economic Research Report No. (ERR-108) 68 pp, November 2010 “Eighty-five percent of American households were food secure throughout the entire year in 2009, meaning that they had access at all times to enough food for an… Continue Reading

    New GAO Reports: Afghanistan Development, Financial Audits of TARP, SEC, GAO – Federal Government's Long-Term Fiscal Outlook

    Afghanistan Development: U.S. Efforts to Support Afghan Water Sector Increasing, but Improvements Needed in Planning and Coordination, GAO-11-138, November 15, 2010 Financial Audit: Federal Housing Finance Agency’s Fiscal Years 2010 and 2009 Financial Statements, GAO-11-151, November 15, 2010 Financial Audit: Office of Financial Stability (Troubled Asset Relief Program) Fiscal Years 2010 and 2009 Financial Statements,… Continue Reading

    Survey on Federal Government Acquisition Policy – The Great Divide

    The Great Divide – The Professional Services Council Acquisition Policy Survey, October 2010 – Conclusions and Recommendations – As we analyzed the results of interviews, we developed the following conclusions and recommendations: Improve communication and collaboration between the oversight and operational community. The evident divide should be troubling to all. Recognize not only the importance… Continue Reading

    Cross-Border Crime Forum Report – Identity-Related Crime: A Threat Assessment

    Identity-Related Crime: A Threat Assessment – A Report to the Attorney General of the United States and the Minister of Public Safety of Canada, November 2010 “This threat assessment focuses on five aspects of the identity-related crime problem as it affects Canada and the United States: (1) the scope and extent of the problem; (2)… Continue Reading

    Frequent Flyer Backlash Heightens Over Full-body Scanners at Airports

    Follow up to previous postings on government implementation of whole body scanning technology at airports, via National Journal, “The Transportation Security Administration is working to create an alternative screening process for pilots, the agency’s chief said this morning, amid mounting protests by airline pilots over new airport scanners criticized as invasive and hazardous to health… Continue Reading

    AARP Drug Savings Tool

    Drug Savings Tool Search for a drug you are taking Review your drug’s price range and efficacy and compare it to Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs. Print out your options for discussion with your doctor. View more information about this group of drugs, including safety and effectiveness. [Consumer Reports Health Best Buy Drugs™ information contained… Continue Reading

    Northwestern Mutual Reports More Than Two Out Of Three Americans Fail Personal Finance Quiz

    News release: “At a time when Americans are seeking financial security, their financial knowledge is no better than it was in 2006, according to the Financial Matters study, commissioned by Northwestern Mutual. The research revealed that two out of three respondents (69%) would receive a failing grade on a quiz about financial products and concepts.”… Continue Reading

    UK: Google Street View (GSV) collection of payload data

    “The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is the UK’s independent authority set up to uphold information rights in the public interest, promoting openness by public bodies and data privacy for individuals.” Snipped from November 3, 2010 letter from ICO to Global Privacy Counsel, Google France: “My office now understands that GSV (Google Street View) cars driving… Continue Reading

    Federal Reserve: Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey on Bank Lending Practices

    Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System – The October 2010 Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey on Bank Lending Practices, November 8, 2010 “The October 2010 Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey on Bank Lending Practices addressed changes in the supply of, and demand for, bank loans to businesses and households over the past three… Continue Reading