Google Search Bug Allows Anyone To Spread Misinformation

A researcher in London discovered a Google bug that allowed users to disseminate false information. People with bad intentions will be able to post misinformation because Google's Knowledge Panel is easy to be fooled and produces irrelevant search results.

There are unexpected consequences when people take advantage of this vulnerability

Previously, the influence of Russia on the presidential election in the US through social networks - typically Facebook, has caused much confusion and controversy in the world. Now, anyone who has the ability to break into Google’s bug and trick it can also cause large-scale chaos and consequences.

Wietze Beukema, an employee of the Cyber Threat Detection & Response team at PwC, posted on his blog that, just adding a parameter to the URL on Google's search toolbar will immediately show a Knowledge Panel. It is important that Google does not intentionally make those irrelevant search results.

The Knowledge Graph has been publicized by Google with a lot of fanfare in 2012. Thereby, it allows users to a full picture of what they're searching without having to spend time accessing each result. The Knowledge Panel is located on the top or right side of the results table depending on the device the user is using. The Panel is a set of queries and is limited to a certain level.

Google has equipped the Knowledge Panel with a sharing feature so users can easily transmit information to others. Unfortunately, it is now a serious concern for the company.

Who is the president of the US?

Particularly, with one click on the share button in the Knowledge Panel, Google will provide you with a URL including parameters needed including kponly and kgmid - the necessary parameters.

However, when you select either of these parameters from a current sharing link on the Knowledge Panel and paste it in a different query's search URL, you will see the Panel form the last query in the new search results, although they are irrelevant.

While kgmid adds a Knowledge Panel to the right or top of search results, kponly removes the first page's search result completely and instead shows the Knowledge Panel only.

Anyone can spread harmful and misleading information to different social media and platforms when acquiring an ID of Knowledge Panel.

At the moment, Google has removed the ability to share on the Knowledge Panel but just need to get the necessary ID, anyone can fake or change the search results on Google. A company spokesman told TechCrunch that they are trying to remedy the situation. We still don't know how Google will completely fix this error.