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Selective Blacklisting by Google

Several weeks ago Google blacklisted BMW from their results page after discovering that the site did not abide by Googles guidelines. However, it seems that Google turned its head when it came to American websites. Is Google partaking in a bit of favoritism, or did the American sites follow the guidelines in a manner that was deemed appropriate by Google webmasters? Search Engine Optimization Specialist, Robert G. Medford, today released findings indicating that Google has allowed American brand-name Web sites to disregard the search giant`s Webmaster Guidelines while choosing to remove German auto manufacturer, BMW from their results pages for violations of the same.

As top search engine rankings can be worth millions of dollars in revenue, many businesses knowingly risk removal form Google`s index by utilizing "black-hat" search engine optimization (SEO) techniques in order to better the competition. Black-hat tactics are SEO practices that violate the guidelines set forth by Google and other search engines. Sites that employ these methods are known as "search engine spammers". Google is noted for its commitment to filtering out sites utilizing techniques that violate published guidelines and in their eyes compromise the integrity of their search results.

The BMW incident marked a significant departure for Google, as it was the first time that a brand-name Web site had been publicly removed from its index for guideline violations. Although only a small fraction of removals are announced via an unofficial spokesperson, such previous pronouncements were limited to relatively-unknown small business sites. One would think that BMW`s removal, albeit short-lived, would have sent a very clear message to corporate giants the world over that attempts to manipulate rankings would not be tolerated. However, this is clearly not the case. Of the 12 brand-name Web sites featured in my December, 2005 report, two have removed their hidden text, nine have made no discernible changes, and one has placed additional hidden text on their home page.