User worries are driving search firms to let people manage how much data they reveal when they visit the sites. The top four search sites, Google, Microsoft, Yahoo and Ask, have unveiled plans to cut how much data they hold and how long they store it.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6911527.stmAlso see:
Out-Gagging Google on privacy
… All this spotlighting of privacy offers Google’s competitors a chance to shorten Google’s lead in the search industry, says Ben Edelman, an assistant professor at Harvard Business School. “Competing search engines struggle to figure out what they can offer users that Google can’t,” he says. “With Google’s limited efforts to protect privacy, that’s a clear area where other search engines can flex their muscles.”
http://www.forbes.com/technology/2007/07/23/privacy-search-google-tech-cx_ag_0723google.htmlMicrosoft Offers Privacy Options for its Search Engine
There’s nothing like a little regulatory scrutiny to get Internet companies talking about privacy. Even if some of their words ring somewhat hollow.
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/07/23/the-most-privacy-friendly-search-engine-on-the-web-is/
Search sites tackle privacy fears
User worries are driving search firms to let people manage how much data they reveal when they visit the sites. The top four search sites, Google, Microsoft, Yahoo and Ask, have unveiled plans to cut how much data they hold and how long they store it. Plus, “Out-Gagging Google on privacy”.