Psychologist and researcher Dr. Robert Epstein, PhD exclusively explained the worrisome implications of the Axios-Google Trends project to MRC Free Speech America. “The more you know about people, the easier it is to manipulate them,” Dr. Epstein warned.

Dr. Epstein explained the implications of Google having this knowledge. “Among other things, this allows Google to keep a close eye on voters who are undecided and whose opinions can still be changed,” he said. “The detailed information they have about each and every one of us allows them to effectively shift opinions with biased search results, search suggestions, answer boxes, answers on personal assistants (Google Home and the Google Assistant on Android phones), YouTube videos, targeted messages, and more.”