On October 3rd, Google launched another algorithm change, one I didn't cover here but wrote about at Search Engine Land named the Google Mugshot Algorithm.
In short, Google has downgraded the rankings of mugshot web sites, such as Mugshots, BustedMugshots and JustMugshots. These sites ranked incredibly well for names of individuals who have been arrested. The people didn't have to be convicted and they could have been completely innocent, but their mugshot was ranking at the top of the search results, with the arrest details, for all to see.
Family, friends, companies, interviewers, and so on. They search your name, your arrest would rank first. Well, not anymore. Not for the last week or so with Google's new MugShot Algorithm in place.
I should note that Mugshots.com responded basically telling Google to reconsider because but not having these arrests rank well in Google, it puts Americans at risk.
Keep in mind, all of these sites do charge removal fees.
What do you think about this algorithm? Are Americans at risk or are we better off since Google downgraded the rankings?
Forum discussion at Google+.
Image credit to BigStockPhoto for colorful mugshots
