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Apparently, Google now uses IP addresses to pinpoint specific users' cities and towns, and gives higher priority to local results. The company now also uses cookies to track browsing habits in order to sort results based on a user's perceived interests -- even if users aren't logged into a Google account. What's worse, users must choose to opt out of the program, rather than choose to opt in.
We're in favor of individually tailored search results, but we wish Google were a little more forthcoming about collecting and leveraging our data. Most of all, any behavior-tracking or data-mining functions should be opt-in affairs. It's good that Google is utilizing user IP addresses to enhance its services, but we're bothered by the fact that millions of people could be searching Google without having any idea that the company is keeping tabs on their browser histories. [From: The Register, via: Wall Street Journal]
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Comments
26
Subscribe to commentsExtremelyPleasedMar 5th 2010 3:15PM
Personalizing searches is really stupid. That is not what 'search' is about.
pamshockeyMar 5th 2010 3:30PM
I agree. I don't want some computer spyware deciding what information it thinks I should or should not receive. I
danMar 5th 2010 3:37PM
The REAL big brother....wake up people.
KyleMar 5th 2010 4:46PM
AMERICA is the real Big Brother : /
A friendMar 5th 2010 5:07PM
Dan, An unmarked van has been parking in front of your house ever since you mentioned "Big Brother". I'd lay low for a while if I were you.
GaryOMar 5th 2010 3:45PM
Simple solution - Google is no longer my "automatic" search engine on I.E. and, while I can't change aol's forced settings, I usually remember to use one of the others. I got bent at them when aol started forcing that ridiculous search pop up every time I log on anyway.
RNancb1867Mar 5th 2010 4:01PM
You can opt out of that by going to keyword and putting in search window.
tadMar 5th 2010 6:12PM
i might suggest using DogPile.com. it's a meta-search engine and every search helps animals! thanks!
GovtofMarsMar 5th 2010 10:24PM
Now this explains why some of my pop-up ads seems more interesting. I'm being targeted specifically, based on my available data. If I search for bicycle parts, I get pop-ups about bike safety. If I search for drumsticks, I get related marketing. It sure beats getting bombarded with useless crud that has zero appeal to me. I'd have to call it an improvement.
billybobMar 5th 2010 5:00PM
Who cares! If you have a problem with that, you can always go back to the Yellow Pages. NOT!
trainMar 5th 2010 5:07PM
I never use Google to search.
WhoCaresMar 5th 2010 5:25PM
Wow! Really!
Lisa GMar 5th 2010 5:25PM
Guys, you make me laugh, What are you searching for that is so personal, I can just imagine!
ShellMar 5th 2010 5:26PM
Wow- it's like having a psycho butler at your service.
MaryMar 5th 2010 5:58PM
No wonder I found google's searches usesless. I started using bing this last year and it works better for me.
Sick of the vulture mentalityMar 5th 2010 5:56PM
Mary, shilling for Bing, eh?
MaryMar 5th 2010 6:03PM
I'm just saying google is going the way of all the other services that use your information to either sell or give you what they think you want rather than just the basic template. So far Bing has not done that and it seems to give me some accurate information. If they go the way of google, I will either change who I use then or use opt out options. I don't do pitches for no one, just use what works for me.
looozznitMar 5th 2010 6:32PM
Yahoo has been doing this for 15 years
LGMar 5th 2010 6:47PM
If you're that worried about it, clear your browsing history.
VeraMar 5th 2010 7:05PM
Yes, it's "Big Brother", you can always go to Ixquick.com It's a search engine like Google, but it doesn't hold your IP addr or collect any info on you. They are very big on privacy...