Search engines are foundational tools of commerce in cyberspace, functioning as gateways through which users access information, products, services, and digital platforms. They operate by using automated programs known as web crawlers or spiders to scan and index web pages across the internet. These indexed pages are then ranked and displayed in response to user queries based on complex algorithms that consider relevance, authority, keywords, location, and user behavior. In the context of digital commerce, search engines play a critical role in connecting consumers with businesses, facilitating online transactions, shaping brand visibility, and influencing purchasing decisions. For businesses operating in cyberspace, search engines are powerful marketing platforms. Through Search Engine Optimization (SEO), firms attempt to improve their website’s visibility in organic search results by optimizing content, keywords, meta tags, and backlinks. Paid search advertising, often referred to as Search Engine Marketing (SEM), allows companies to bid for specific keywords so that their advertisements appear prominently in search results. This has transformed search engines into major commercial ecosystems where competition for visibility directly affects revenue generation. E-commerce platforms, service providers, and digital content creators depend heavily on search engines to drive traffic and customer engagement. However, the immense influence of search engines has also led to various forms of abuse. One common abuse is search engine manipulation, often called “black hat SEO.” This includes practices such as keyword stuffing, cloaking, link farming, and hidden