More trouble with automated suggestions

The online world is abuzz over the above Amazon search result for "terrorist costume", with outraged readers of the LA Times Blog vowing never to shop at Amazon again. Despite being an Obama supporter, I was just amused, since I know how easily computer programs can make offensive recommendations. See these prior posts to this blog:

• More bad automated recommendations [bad ads]
• Bad recommendations [MLK edition]
• McCain Zombie Freeze Frame [Google "related search" suggestion]

See also the classic Wall Street Journal article If TiVo Thinks You Are Gay, Here's How to Set It Straight.

I assume the Amazon search results came from how users tagged the Obama mask. I predict Amazon product tagging will be the new Google bombing.