Google is woke!
Google users will now be flagged for using politically incorrect words while searching as the technology giant launched an "inclusive language" function. This move by Google is for people to avoid the use of politically incorrect words.
In a report by The Sun, if a user uses terms deemed politically incorrect by Google, a message pops up that reads: "Inclusive warning. Some of these words may not be inclusive to all readers. Consider using different words."
Google Moves Towards a More Gender-Sensitive Language
Google moves toward a more gender sensitive language. For example, gender specific terms such as "policemen" or "housewife" will be replaced by "police officers" and "stay-at-home spouse."
This is according to the new Google Document style programme, which is now being rolled out to what the firm calls enterprise-level users, as per a Daily Mail report.
Users, who are using the word "landlord" will be given a suggestion to use the more gender-sensitive "property owner" or "proprietor."
Likewise, "mankind" is suggested to be replaced with the alternative "humankind" instead.
Critics, however, are skeptical about the technology giant's move. They believe that pushing users towards woke language is a step too far. According to a Daily Mail report, tests on the system have also thrown up major flaws.
The Sun reported that Silkie Carlo of Big Brother Watch called Google's move toward inclusive language "deeply intrusive." Carlo further stated that "Google is not only reading every word you type but telling you what to type."
"This speech-policing is profoundly clumsy, creepy and wrong, often reinforcing bias. Invasive tech like this undermines privacy, freedom of expression and increasingly freedom of thought." Carlo said.
The Daily Mail reported that Sam Bowman of online magazine Works in Progress said, "It feels pretty hectoring and adds an unwanted political/cultural slant to what I'd rather was a neutral product [as] a user."
On the other hand, a Google spokesman said, "Our technology is always improving, and we don't yet [have] a solution to identifying and mitigating all unwanted word associations and biases."
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Google's Move Towards a More 'Inclusive Language' Function Started Last Year With Google Docs
Last year, a new feature in Google Docs prompted users to write in gender-neutral language to avoid offending colleagues or friends, as per The National.
Using the words such as "chairman" or "fireman" in the online word processor triggered the feature to suggest "chairperson" or "firefighter" instead.
According to the National, the feature was introduced as part of Google's new Smart Canvas, which is a collaboration tool designed to make working between Google's major platforms Docs, Sheets, and Slides easier.
After a number of humiliations as a result of its predictive autocomplete algorithms, Google strives to associate itself with more inclusive and conscientious language.
In 2018, after many users noticed the technology's biased suggestions, Google prevented its autocomplete feature on Gmail from proposing gender pronouns.
In 2016, after Google was found making racist and offensive suggestions, the company tweaked the autocomplete function on its search engine.
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