main
Report a problem

Yahoo agrees to anonymize search data sooner

Chaks   on 18 December 2008 - 00:37 · 3 comments & 2076 views

Advertisement (Why?)
A week after Microsoft called for all major search engines to anonymize search data after six months, Yahoo said it would keep identifiable search data for only three months.

Currently, Microsoft keeps search data on file for 18 months, while Yahoo keeps it for 13. Google stores data for nine months, before anonymizing it. Microsoft had said it would keep users' search data for six months, but only if competitors followed its lead. Yahoo, though, did not say its move was dependent on its competitors.

Yahoo did say, however, that "in order to fight fraud and preserve system security" the company would need to keep some data in identifiable form for up to six months.

Post a comment · Send to friend Comments · There are 3 additional comments
(2 replies) #1 boho on 18 Dec 2008 - 14:54
Why would anyone care how long these people keep data. Although I don't go along with the "If you have nothing to hide... You have nothing to fear!" However with the shear quantity of data, it is unlikely you'll ever be traced unless someone is are after you.

Far more concern is data mining of mailboxes and other personal information, that is directly linked to personal information. They won't let that go so easily.
#1.1 vetneufuse on 18 Dec 2008 - 18:40
boho said,
Why would anyone care how long these people keep data. Although I don't go along with the "If you have nothing to hide... You have nothing to fear!" However with the shear quantity of data, it is unlikely you'll ever be traced unless someone is are after you.

Far more concern is data mining of mailboxes and other personal information, that is directly linked to personal information. They won't let that go so easily.


Some businesses have fear that if you get information on their search habbits or where they went that it could affect them if it was leaked...
#1.2 vetneufuse on 18 Dec 2008 - 18:40
boho said,
Why would anyone care how long these people keep data. Although I don't go along with the "If you have nothing to hide... You have nothing to fear!" However with the shear quantity of data, it is unlikely you'll ever be traced unless someone is are after you.

Far more concern is data mining of mailboxes and other personal information, that is directly linked to personal information. They won't let that go so easily.


Some businesses have fear that if you get information on their search habbits or where they went that it could affect them if it was leaked...

Commenting has either been disabled on this article or you are not logged in. Click here to login or register, its free!

Note: Anonymous commenting is disabled in order to keep the quality of responses to a high standard.

Advertisement (Why?)