Google starts to censor torrent-related search queries

Google has begun blocking torrent-related searches from its autocomplete and instant search. Now when users attempt to search using Google's new autocomplete feature, torrent related words will no longer autocomplete in the search field. Google announced back in December that it will begin blocking ""terms that are closely associated with piracy" and will filter these words from its instant search and autocomplete features. Google already filters out a list of sex-related terms from their instant search and autocomplete feature. According to TorrentFreak.com, Google has blocked piracy-related terms such as "BitTorrent", "Torrent", "uTorrent", "MegaUpload" and "RapidShare". The new filtered words do not affect search results however. The new censorship only prevents the above words from being autocompleted in the search query, and once typed, Google will once again recognize the word and provide search suggestions. "We knew about Google's plans for quite a few weeks now. We embrace that certain search suggestions will not put a wrong complexion on RapidShare anymore, but we are concerned that at the same time the legitimate interests of our users will also be affected. We believe it was the wrong decision to remove the term ‘RapidShare' from the search suggestions," RapidShare told TorrentFreak. Google's move to filter our piracy-related websites have angered websites like RapidShare. The filtering of their website affects users who use their service for legitimate purposes.

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