Google’s ‘Jew’ Problem

We are used to seeing Google things really wrong when it comes to Israel and the Jews.

Like when they offered up those offensive, anti-Israel search suggestions

Or when Google Earth moved places out of Israel

Or when Google Maps got gamed by the haters

And don’t get me started on YouTube, owned by Google

But Google’s latest has crossed into really antisemitic territory.

Up until a few hours ago, this is what you saw when you typed in ‘Jew’ into Google Translate (hat tip: Ido Daniel)

Thankfully, after many complaints, Google removed it from Google Translate – so I guess they admitted this is entirely wrong and offensive.

Great, right?

Except, Google Translate was bringing the definition from Google’s dictionary, which appears when you search ‘Jew’  – and still appears

Granted, Google designates the verb offensive, but I am not entirely sure why Google has chosen to show it at all- especially given that their search results do not always show a definition.

For instance, if you Google ‘Christian’ or ‘Muslim’, no definition appears. Why then does the word ‘Jew’ merit a definition – including an antisemitic one?

Google customer support number is 650-253-0000. Just saying.

Update: This definition was also apparently appearing until a few hours ago.

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3 thoughts on “Google’s ‘Jew’ Problem”

  1. A dictionary needs to be objective and describe how a word is actually used in the world, regardless of whether or not we would like it to be used that way. I have no problem with it appearing alongside the “offensive” qualification.

    The European sentences are inexcusable, though.

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