Human Flesh Search Engine: Is It a Next Generation Search Engine?

Abstract

Directly translated from its Chinese name “Ren Rou Sou Suo”, Human Flesh Search Engine (HFSE), a search engine runs by human power, is now a controversial topic in China’s Internet community. This paper includes the HFSE’s definition, history, operating theory, evolution, and famous cases analyses. HFSE is considered as new type of search engine that operates based on the principle of the Convergence of information technology and human power. However, HFSE’s development places personal privacy and internet safety at risk. Various questions from public, academia and authority concentrate on whether HFSE needs to be regulated and whether it is acceptable continues to grow. Thus, the ultimate goal of this paper is to examine the HFSE issues from policy perspective and Convergence theory. Finally, this paper will draw conclusion based on three aspects: whether HFSE has to be regulated, how it could be regulated, and how to measure the outcome of regulation.