Google insults Kannada as ‘ugliest’ language, removes it after uproar
Tech giant Google's search results has caused an outrage in Karnataka after screenshots of Google search results showing Kannada as the ‘ugliest’ language in India. However, Google quickly removed Kannada "as the ugliest language in India" and apologised to the people saying the search result did not reflect its opinion.
FollowFollowing the tech giant Google's search results showing Kannada as the ‘ugliest’ language in India, the Kannada and Culture minister Aravind Limbavali said legal action will be taken and notices will be issued to the company for the insult.
As per the reports, when a query is raised to know which is ugliest language in India, the search results show 'Kannada'.
Soon screenshots of the insult flooded the social media causing uproar against Google resulting in leaders cutting across party lines expressing anger towards the tech giant.
Bengaluru Central MP PC Mohan took to Twitter and wrote, "Home to the great Vijayanagara Empire, #Kannada language has a rich heritage, a glorious legacy and a unique culture. One of the world’s oldest languages Kannada had great scholars who wrote epics much before Geoffrey Chaucer was born in the 14th century. Apologise @GoogleIndia."
Anticipating the law and order situation over such remarks, Kannada and Culture Minister Aravind Limbavali said legal action will be initiated.
"Kannada language has a history of its own, having come into existence as many as 2,500 years ago! It has been the pride of Kannadigas all through these two-and-a-half millennia. If Kannada is now called ugliest language in India, it is merely an attempt by Google to insult this pride of Kannadigas,” Limbavali wrote.
Google's response
Meanwhile the Google altered the search results following the uproar from various quarters.
The tech giant also sent a clarification on the issue.
"Search isn’t always perfect. Sometimes, the way content is described on the internet can yield surprising results to specific queries. We know this is not ideal, but we take swift corrective action when we are made aware of an issue and are continually working to improve our algorithms. Naturally, these are not reflective of the opinions of Google, and we apologize for the misunderstanding and hurting any sentiments," a Google spokesperson was quoted as saying.
