A Google search error briefly misstated the US Presidential order, listing Trump twice. Meta users reported automatically following Trump and Vance.
A recent Google search result for “US Presidents in order” briefly presented an inaccurate listing, omitting Joe Biden’s presidency and incorrectly indicating Donald Trump as serving two consecutive terms. This error, first noted by users on BlueSky, ignited discussions and speculation regarding potential bias within Silicon Valley and its possible favoritism towards Trump.
The issue was reportedly corrected around 2 a.m. Eastern Time. However, the precise duration of the error and the number of users affected remain unclear. The incident quickly gained traction online, raising concerns about the integrity of search results and the potential for manipulation.
Adding to the controversy, reports emerged from Meta users experiencing an unusual situation where they were automatically made to follow both Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance. Some users claimed they were unable to unfollow these accounts. In response, Meta’s communications director, Andy Stone, addressed the issue, attributing it to the ongoing transition of official White House accounts to the new administration. Stone suggested that potential delays in the processing of follow and unfollow requests may have been a contributing factor.
These simultaneous incidents have triggered widespread outrage and suspicion among online users. Some view these events as a concerning demonstration of undue influence wielded by major tech companies. While Meta has provided an explanation related to account transitions, the Google search glitch has fueled questions about potential bias or deliberate manipulation of information. The fact that the article mentions Trump’s inauguration as the 47th president, according to its timeline, further amplified suspicions among some users, even though that is not factually correct.
The search engine result error and the social media follow incident have prompted renewed scrutiny of the power and responsibility of tech platforms in shaping public perception and disseminating information. While technical glitches can occur, the confluence of these events has led many to question the neutrality and impartiality of these platforms, particularly in the context of political discourse.
It’s important to note that while these incidents have raised concerns, further investigation is needed to determine the root causes and whether any intentional manipulation was involved. The events serve as a reminder of the need for vigilance and critical evaluation of information presented online, as well as the importance of holding tech companies accountable for the accuracy and fairness of their platforms.
The incident highlights the importance of verifying information from multiple sources, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like political leadership. It also underscores the need for tech companies to be transparent about their algorithms and content moderation policies to maintain public trust.
The error in the Google search results, while seemingly minor, had the potential to spread misinformation and fuel existing political tensions. The rapid dissemination of information online means that even brief errors can have significant consequences.
Sources: https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/presidents-list-biden-google-result-b2685072.html
https://www.forbes.com/sites/esatdedezade/2025/01/23/biden-temporarily-vanished-from-googles-presidential-history/
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14317471/joe-biden-insult-google-search-engine-donald-trump.html