An inquiry into Search Engine Neutrality: the case of movements against police violence in France and the U.S.

Abstract

International audienceThe digital transformation has revolutionized information consumption, with search engines playing a pivotal role in shaping user access to diverse media. Employing algorithms, these engines influence content visibility and aggregate news sources, significantly molding public opinion. As gatekeepers of information, search engines impact media outlet visibility, affecting online traffic, revenue, and journalistic diversity. In breaking news and societal issues, search engines expedite information dissemination, influencing initial narratives. Understanding their role is crucial for transparency and user access to diverse information. Focusing on movements against police violence, our paper conducts a comparative analysis across 12 search engines for terms "Black Lives Matter" and "Justice pour Adama". Our innovative methodology identifies biases in information diversity, providing insights into the dynamics shaping visibility of societal issues.</div