Why does Bard remove URL's from citations?
Answer
Bard currently removes URLs from citations. There are a few reasons for this:
1. Maintain Consistency and Context: By removing URLs, citations focus on the core information needed to identify the source, such as author, title, and publication details. This helps keep the format consistent and allows users to understand the cited work without relying on potentially temporary or changing URLs.
2. Avoid Link Rot: Over time, URLs can become broken or lead to different pages, making the original source inaccessible. Removing them promotes long-term validity of the citation and ensures readers can find the source using alternative methods like library databases or search engines.
3. Security and Privacy: Some URLs can contain sensitive information or tracking parameters. Removing them reduces the risk of inadvertently sharing personal data and protects users from potential malware or phishing attacks.
4. Focus on Content: In some cases, the URL itself might not be relevant to the cited information. Removing it emphasizes the essential points from the source and avoids cluttering the text with unnecessary details.
However, it's important to acknowledge that there are also benefits to including URLs in citations:
1. Direct Access: URLs provide a convenient way for readers to immediately access the source material with a single click, which can be helpful for further research or verification.
2. Transparency: Including URLs allows readers to easily verify the specific content being cited and assess the credibility of the source.
It's worth noting that Bard's approach to URLs in citations is still under development, and we are constantly evaluating the pros and cons of both approaches. In the future, there might be options to choose whether or not to include URLs depending on the specific context and user needs.
If you have any specific concerns or feedback regarding how Bard handles URLs in citations, please feel free to share them! Your input helps us improve and better serve our users.