Google sheds light on search process

Google is shedding light on how it picks its search results

Google has announced plans to be more open with users about how search results are generated and positioned.

The company is preparing to rollout a new set of options which will provide details on why results are ordered in a particular way.

Boxes will appear on the top right-hand corner of the results screen informing the user of the general nature of the ordering, such as user geography, recent searches or web history.

Google explained that the search process itself will not change, but that the firm is providing additional information.

"As we continue to refine our search algorithms to deliver more relevant results, we strive to be as open as possible about how we use data to improve your search experience," said Google product manager Rachel Garb.

"This new feature does not change anything at all about how you search on Google and the results you get. It just gives you more of a behind-the-scenes look at how we customise your search experience."

The new information is part of what Google refers to as its "commitment to transparency".

The company is attempting to further clarify its privacy policies and give a better explanation of how it operates in an effort to further ease user concerns.

Google has had a rough ride on the privacy front lately. The company made headlines yesterday when it told a US court examining its Street View service that " complete privacy does not exist".