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Phoenix666 writes:

When would-be terrorists go to Google to find violent propaganda or information about bomb-making, they may instead find a counter-narrative of moderation and non-aggression.

A new Google program outlined at a committee hearing in the British Parliament aims to counteract extremist material online by increasing the visibility of anti-radical organizations in search results.

"When people put potentially damaging search terms into our search engine they [will] also find these counter narratives," Anthony House, Google's Head of Policy Strategy for the EU, told members of Parliament.

The pilot program would give up to $10,000 per month in advertising credits to non-governmental organizations that promote anti-radicalization. It would be a part of the existing Google AdWords Grants program, which gives credit to charities to help promote their mission and recruit volunteers. The credits will allow organizations fighting radicalization to purchase ad placement at the top of Google search results pages, making their message the first one people see when they search for terms related to terrorism or violent extremism.

Returning gentle results for aggressive search terms could spawn a whole new internet meme. Search terms: "Best practices decapitate infidels." Search results: "Wouldn't you rather buy this aroma therapy kit?"

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