As the holidays approach, the giant Google finds itself almost unwillingly at the heart of a controversy: that of allowing children to discover the truth about Santavia a simple query on the search engine.
In the United States, the company is trying to make efforts to preserve one of the greatest mysteries of the universe, whether Santa Claus really exists, in the flesh. Parents have discovered that their children are at too great a risk of discovering the truth by browsing Google. Imagine that the Mountain View firm, sensitive to complaints, has decided to further qualify its responses… in the United States only. In France, it’s a different story.
Faced with the discontent of parents on social networks, Google reacts
Every year, the magic of Christmas is, so to speak, threatened by the Internet searches of curious children. Google, often asked to answer the crucial question (1 million children, at least, try it every winter), modified its results across the Atlantic to avoid too brutal revelations. Parents are increasingly concerned about how online responses can taint children’s innocence. They were looking for a way to preserve the magic of the holidays.
In the United States, adults were worried and they made it known on social media. It must be said that a certain number of them have discovered that Google provides direct answers on the non-existence of the man with the white beard. The shared screenshots have sparked debates about preserving this childhood innocence. And for them: there’s no question of ruining it!
Faced with parents’ concerns, Google therefore adjusted its results on the American side. The page now displays a softer response, one that speaks to the historical provenance of Santa Claus, rather than the fact that he is an invented character.
In France, the problem remains
Among users, reactions can vary between annoyance and nostalgia to say that it was much more difficult, at a certain time, to learn so much and so quickly about Santa Claus. The online discussion raises questions about how information is accessible to children today, and how parents can maintain the magic of the holidays in a digital world.
The basic problem is not limited to the United States alone. In France, a similar Google search reveals a direct answer stating that Santa Claus does not exist. French parents express their frustration at this early revelation. Online debates highlight the need for search engines to find comprehensive solutions to protect children’s innocence while providing accurate information.
The controversy in any case raises the question of the power that search engines or even voice assistants like Siri and Alexa have. Recurring calls request a review of automatic responses to preserve the magic of Christmas. But as Google slowly adjusts its results, the question remains: How can online platforms balance providing accurate information with preserving the magic of the holidays for younger audiences? You have three hours.
Source : Radio France
Journalist, responsible for CLUBIC news. Reporter, videographer, host and even singer-imitator, I wrote my first article in 6th grade. I made this vocation my job (graduated from EJCAM), to write, interview, film, edit and produce on a daily basis. Friendships with Tech, of course, but also with the world of media, sport and travel. In addition to journalism, video production and animation, I have a YouTube channel (in my name) which should pique your curiosity if you like beautiful walks around the world, new technologies and Koh-Lanta 🙂
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