Missouri Attorney General Investigates Google for Alleged Search Result Manipulation
Missouri's Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced an investigation into Google, alleging the company manipulates search results to suppress conservative speech and information about the Trump campaign before the 2024 election. Google denied the claims as false and stated its search function is nonpartisan.
What happened
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced an investigation into Google on October 24, 2024, alleging that the company manipulates search results to de-emphasize conservative speech and information about the Trump campaign ahead of the 2024 election.
Bailey stated he would issue subpoenas to obtain information about Google's search algorithm. He alleged that conservative content is placed on lower search result pages rather than prominently displayed, and that Google is censoring conservative speech during a critical election period.
Reported impact
The investigation challenges Google's search neutrality ahead of the 2024 presidential election, with allegations that the company interferes with fair access to political information.
Index analysis
Google denied the allegations as 'totally false,' stating that independent studies have confirmed Google Search is nonpartisan and that its search function serves all users regardless of political beliefs.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.