Are you tired of fake news infiltrating your online search results? Have you ever come across a fake obituary while looking up information on the internet? Well, you’re not alone. In a recent groundbreaking report by The Verge, it was revealed that thousands of families have fallen victim to fake obituaries of their loved ones popping up on Google search results. This alarming trend is not only targeting celebrities but everyday people as well, with the sole purpose of generating clicks and ad revenue.
Sub-headline 1: The Dark World of Fake Obituaries
One of the websites highlighted in the report, HausaNew.com.ng, was discovered to be churning out fake obituaries and news about local deaths across the US. Families like Nancy Arnold, who lost her 20-year-old son Harrison Sylver to suicide, have been traumatized by the inaccuracies and impersonal nature of these obituaries. HausaNew.com.ng has since shut down and redirected to a different homepage, leaving behind a trail of fake stories and heartache.
Sub-headline 2: Profiting off Grief
These fake obituary sites are not just preying on the emotions of families but are also profiting from their grief. By hosting digital ads on their websites, these content mills are making money every time someone clicks on an ad. Even sites like SarkariExam.com have been caught publishing poorly written and inaccurate obituaries, raking in profits from ad placements.
Sub-headline 3: Taking Action Against Obituary Spam
Thankfully, steps are being taken to combat obituary spam on the internet. Companies like TripleLift have pledged to update their terms to prohibit AI-generated obituaries, while Google has committed to decreasing the visibility of these spam sites. Despite Google’s efforts, it was revealed that some of these fake obituary sites had ads served by the search engine giant itself.
In conclusion, the issue of fake obituaries circulating online is a troubling one that not only preys on the emotions of families but also exploits their grief for financial gain. It’s important for internet users to remain vigilant and discerning when it comes to consuming online content and to report any suspicious or fake information they come across. Together, we can combat fake news and ensure that the internet remains a reliable source of information and not a breeding ground for misinformation.