In this context, it should be borne in mind that search engine rankings are a product of complex algorithms and are not necessarily manipulative in design, but are in fact aiming to provide the most topical, relevant and new results; however, the algorithms can be manipulated by different websites trying to acquire better rankings. In reality, we see that happening, and Google is constantly improving the search algorithm to prevent such intrusions. In any case, whether manipulation is intentional or not, the SEME entails two important consequences for democracy: the power to manipulate preferences could be used by private or public actors to affect electoral equity; and the fact that search-engine users are unaware of the criteria (coding) of the ranking mechanisms hinders their capacity to make fully informed decisions, and therefore to exert their freedom of expression.