Google Exec Among Panelists to Discuss ``The Ethics and Politics of
Search Engines''

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 23, 2006--Who or what will
be placed first on a list of "finds"? What does it mean if someone
pays to be first on that list? What ethical responsibilities do search
engine companies have--if any? These questions are among many that
will be discussed by a panel of top thinkers in the fields of ethics
and computing at "The Ethics and Politics of Search Engines," Monday,
Feb. 27 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Williman Room at Santa Clara
University.


"We urgently need to develop the fundamentals for just and equitable
ethics and politics of search engines and to put into place mechanisms
for their deployment," said Geoffrey Bowker, executive director of
SCU's Center for Science, Technology, and Society and a panelist for
the discussion. Also on the panel: Peter Norvig, director of research
at Google, Inc., and Terry Winograd, professor of computer science at
Stanford University. Each will present his own list of top ethical
issues currently confronting the search industry. Kirk Hanson,
executive director of SCU's Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, will
moderate the discussion following the short presentations.

"This is meant for everybody," notes David DeCosse, director of campus
ethics programs at SCU. "The ethical issues search engines raise don't
just get hammered out in Congress or in meetings at federal
courthouses to work out subpoenas, although those are important
venues. Engineers, entrepreneurs, and the general public should
consider and discuss the ethical and political ramifications of search
engines as well."

This event is hosted by Santa Clara University's Markkula Center for
Applied Ethics and the Center for Science, Technology and Society.

About Santa Clara University

Santa Clara University, a comprehensive Jesuit, Catholic university
located in California's Silicon Valley, offers its 8,397 students
rigorous undergraduate curricula in arts and sciences, business, and
engineering, plus master's and law degrees. Distinguished nationally
by the third-highest graduation rate among all U.S. master's
universities, California's oldest higher-education institution
demonstrates faith-inspired values of ethics and social justice. More
information is online at www.scu.edu.