Google's 'Porn Equations.' Search Bug Returns Results For "Contradictory Queries"

A user on Quora has uncovered a Google search bug, which shows porn results without actually searching for them.  Entering a certain equation exposes this glitch, which is a result of your query being misinterpreted and some sketchy search engine optimisation (SEO) practice.

In the example given on Quora, searching for "-4^(1/4)" returns a Google calculator with the correct answer, along with a host of porn links underneath (goes without saying: NSFW).  While the equation is answered, Google reads it as "-4 "1 4"", a code requesting the search engine to find any pages that contain a 1 next to a 4; but doesn't contain a 4.  

This, as you have guessed, is an impossible feat, which should return no results.  But thanks to the aforementioned search bug and some spammy SEO they've been able to achieve these links, as Google engineer Jeremy Hoffman explains:

Read Quote of Jeremy Hoffman's answer to Google Search: What does "-4^(1/4)" mean and why is it connected to porn? on Quora

Since porn terms are extremely competitive on Google, it's likely that the linking pages are driving up their site's rankings using obscure terms that no one would use. Chances are the anchor text contains the query in question, creating a link farm of pure gibberish that perpetuates a site and drives up rank without even competing in their own space.

These porn results cannot be searched for with the 'Safesearch' feature turned on, and Google are working quickly to resolve the bug.  But this does also show a wider issue of SEO spam.

Source: Quora

Jason England