Truth to Power

Zealots use high tech to avoid reality

Religious search engines filter results to weed out temptations

A number of new Internet search engines created by Christian, Jewish or Muslim entities aim to filter out queries from Web users in a way that is more relevant to those users and keeps them from temptation, alcohol and pornography.

“We think that the other search engines are way too ‘main street’ oriented. We wanted to provide a solution to explore the Web in a safe environment, where you won’t bump into explicit content or immoral websites, like pornography,” said Reza Sardeha, the Amsterdam-based founder of the Muslim-oriented search engine I’mHalal.

If one types the world alcohol into imhalal.com, the search engine produces results that explain the Muslim viewpoint on drinking. Type in “pornography,” and the search engine produces… nothing.</em>

Hey, I’m all for avoiding that which makes you uncomfortable, but this is sorta silly. Instead of confronting the world as it exists, these people want to live in a state of unreality. Which, I guess, defines the whole religion thing anyway. Sad.


Recently on Ink 19...

Swans

Swans

Event Reviews

40 years on, Michael Gira and Swans continue to bring a ritualistic experience that needs to be heard in order to be believed. Featured photo by Reese Cann.

Eclipse 2024

Eclipse 2024

Features

The biggest astronomical event of the decade coincides with a long overdue trip to Austin, Texas.

Sun Ra

Sun Ra

Music Reviews

At the Showcase: Live in Chicago 1976/1977 (Jazz Detective). Review by Bob Pomeroy.