A search for "Seven wonders" on Google does not return as top search result a link to the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World compiled by historian Herodotus (484 BC–ca. 425 BC), and the scholar Callimachus of Cyrene (ca 305–240 BC). Instead, it returns a link to the "fake" seven wonders compiled through an unscientific online poll.
These seven "new" wonders are nothing but commercial venture launched in 2000 by Bernard Weber, to select seven new wonders of the world by an Internet vote. Even amidst allegations of vote buying and result rigging, Weber went far as to even falsely claimed that UNESCO was involved, prompting some harsh words from the world body.
"In order to avoid any damaging confusion, UNESCO wishes to reaffirm that there is no link whatsoever between UNESCO’s World Heritage programme, which aims to protect world heritage, and the current campaign concerning “The New 7 Wonders of the World”," the world body stated.
"There is no comparison between Mr Weber’s mediatised campaign and the scientific and educational work resulting from the inscription of sites on UNESCO’s World Heritage List," the UNESCO press release added. "The list of the “7 New Wonders of the World” will be the result of a private undertaking, reflecting only the opinions of those with access to the internet and not the entire world. This initiative cannot, in any significant and sustainable manner, contribute to the preservation of sites elected by this public. "
For the record the original seven wonders are the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Temple of Artemis, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Mausoleum of Maussollos, the Colossus of Rhodes and the Lighthouse of Alexandria.
By providing a link to incorrect information, Google is devaluing the utility of Internet as a credible information resource. I hope Google realises this and corrects the mistake soon. Otherwise, millions of people will start to believe that Taj Mahal is one of the seven wonders of the world.
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