As you all know Google just released its Google Instant search which accelerates search results as you type keyword terms into the Google search box. However, not all suggestive searches are safe. PandaLabs reported yesterday that when a user is searching for antivirus and they enter the first 4 characters – “ANTI”, Google Instant suggests sites that sell rogue anti-virus such as Antivir Solution Pro.
As of today, Google hasn’t corrected this issue (Pictured below). This has been an ongoing problem because Black Hat SEO campaigns query Google’s trending topic s automatically and Google Instant will be suggesting those trending phrases. This has been an ongoing problem for a long time. Rogue software is increasing each day and the authors of such products are making millions of dollars.
Google needs to protect users by eliminating these Black Hat tactics that are utilized by cyber criminals to pawn their fake and rogue software for profit.
Note: The arrows point to sponsored ads, but the point of this article is that Antivir Solution Pro is being suggested, which is a rogue anti-virus product.
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Frank,
The results in screenshot have nothing to do with SEO or blackhat.
First, these are PPC results ( pay per click), which are paid ones. This is not the same as SEO, which is related to ORGANIC search results. People pay google so they results appear sponsored when people search for specific keywords. People pay for the clicks. It is quite straightforward, you just need Adwords account.You could even outbid them if you want (it is an auction), but it would cost some money.
Second. None of these results are rogues, that are detected by antiviruses or antimalware tools, because they are from legitimate companies. The 2 results in RED have poor reputation, but they are not (automatically) malware.
giedrius,
You missed the point somewhat. The suggested terms lead to rogue software sites as the one I listed. You are right about the paid ads in the sponsored section and I should have showed the organic results in the picture. The point is the suggested terms are bad sites.
With or without google instant, these sponsored ads will still appear when a user type in a keyword, the difference now is that the user get to see the ads more faster, without typing the full keyword.
So, this is not really an issue with google instant or not, but how google will filter out the so-called “low reputation” sites from advertising on google adwords. But I reckon that google don’t even care, as long as they made money from these advertisers (good or bad companies)..
Eric,
I stated that in the article. My concern is why are these ads appearing when these sites have low reputation.
This certainly isn’t a good thing. I’m however not seeing the instant search yet. Do you know why that could be?
Rose,
It is not and hopefully G will address this as well as prevent these companies from showing up in paid search as well.
Google should take care of this and prevent this kind of sites from appearing in their search engine. It is damaging to Google’s reputation as well as to anyone who will innocently click on those sites.
Andrew,
It has been an ongoing issue for a long time. I hope that they do figure out a way to stop it.
Actually, the screenshot in paid results: It is not websites selling Antivir Solution PRO. These are other, low reputation, but legitimate (not detected as malware by antiviruses) remover sites: Enigma Software and Stopzilla sites.
giedrius,
I appreciate your comment and thank you for keeping me alert!
Maybe Google should give users a bit more control over links, including the ability to flag links as dangerous so others at least can have some warning after a particular search.
While StumbleUpon isn’t a search engine, it does allow its members the ability to flag pages they stumble upon. I have a GMail account, so why not let me have a similar capability once I’ve authenticated with Google in any given session?
Granted, two competing providers of malware might duel with each other, one’s pals flagging the other’s ads and vice-versa. Although, since Google is accepting the funding for the ads, why don’t *they* more carefully scrutinize the content they’re agreeing to showcase via AdWords or AdSense?
Money has the loudest voice, I guess.
Darth,
I like the idea having a community rate links. In fact have you tried WOT? mywot.com.
I am happy to find much useful information in the post, writing article is awesome, I always look for quality content, thanks for sharing.
Surely rating sites would kill SEO? It would produce a whole new method for ste ranking an personally I like the current way google displays its listings.
I agree with Andrew that Google should think about of this and avoid this kind of sites from appearing in their search engine. It is damaging to Google’s repute as well as to anyone who will innocently click on those sites.
Because it’s sponsored links. Not search results.
You obviously didn’t read the article. I indicated that clearly, thank you.
You need to learn to be less combative in your comments, Mr. Frank. This has nothing to do with the new Google Instant search – it’s been a problem ever since Day 1 in PPC, over 10 years ago. That’s all these commenters are pointing out…. don’t keep saying “you didn’t read my article, I clearly indicated that”.
Your chosen title: “Why Google Instant Needs to Address BlackHat SEO”
The issue you describe has nothing to do with Google Instant, and nothing to with SEO, let alone blackhat SEO.
Basically the jist of your post is: Google needs to clean up it’s PPC advertisers.
Clarkson,
I have written many articles about PAID SEARCH Ads that are untrusted and I am not in disagreement with your comment.
Clarkson,
I wanted to share my latest article with you and to thank you for your insight. https://www.techjaws.com/google-needs-to-clean-up-paid-advertisers/
Great post, couldn’t agree more, Google needs to be more responsible!
It’s all buyer beware.
If they want to remain ‘unevil’, Google can’t improve it’s suggestions any better than it is.
Otherwise it’s called censorship.
Do you want you website judged based on its content or someone’s opinion of you?
Good advice is always mixed in with bad advice.
Tough luck.
DEZ
The issue is we need to have Google remove and censor unethical web sites that show up in search.
Thanks for the heads up and information about this,Google needs to be more responsible!