Rattle wrote:

Googleis reversing a long-standing policy to retain all the data on its users indefinitely, and by the end of the year will begin removing identifying data from its search logs after 18 months to two years, depending on the country the servers are located in.

Currently, Google retains indefinitely detailed server logs on its search engine users, including user's IP addresses – which can identify a user's computer, the query, any result that is clicked on, their browser and operating system, among other details. Even if a user never signs up for a Google account, those searches are all tied together through a cookie placed on the user's computer, which currently expires in 2038.

With 40% of the search market, I guess that 2 years maximum is better than nothing. It does seem like a long time, though. What purpose could retaining data that long serve aside from undermining users' privacy?

In a similar story, AOL... ah, who cares?

Wraith wrote:
With 40% of the search market, I guess that 2 years maximum is better than nothing. It does seem like a long time, though. What purpose could retaining data that long serve aside from undermining users' privacy?

Its certainly an improvement over "we keep everything, forever." It represents progress.

Decius wrote:

Wraith wrote:
With 40% of the search market, I guess that 2 years maximum is better than nothing. It does seem like a long time, though. What purpose could retaining data that long serve aside from undermining users' privacy?

Its certainly an improvement over "we keep everything, forever." It represents progress.

You're right. When looking at the big picture, it does represent progress. It just seems like a whole lot of information to store for a whole lot of time for what Im guessing is marketing and CYA stuff.

I must be getting cynical in my old age. :)