Google Is Censoring Reviews of ICE Detention Centers

a day ago

Google Maps receives thousands of reviews for ICE detention facilities, often detailing harsh experiences.
Google purges these reviews and blocks new ones, citing policies against reviews for places people go without choice.
Research indicates Google actively suppresses carceral information and narratives related to ICE facilities.
Only four ICE facilities still permit reviews on Google Maps, with many previously collected reviews now deleted.
Google's actions lack public notice, and the company denies coordination with DHS or ICE on review removals.
Reviews describe poor conditions, language barriers, and extended detentions, highlighting systemic issues.
Google frames censorship as consumer-centric, but critics argue it's a political decision affecting carceral information.
The article shifts to discuss Trump's authoritarian takeover, including ignoring court orders and targeting press freedom.
Corporate media cowers, while right-wing billionaires reshape media, threatening democracy and journalism.
The Intercept appeals for support to expand reporting capacity in 2026, emphasizing independence from corporate interests.

Hasty Briefsbeta