Bing has come a long way since it launched a few months back, but few can argue with the reality that Google is still the king of search. They always seem to know exactly what you were looking for, even when you only provide the vaguest of guidance with your inquiry.
It turns out the secret to their hyper accurate results isn't as complicated as you might think, and despite appearances, Google isn't actually reading your mind. We all know Google collects a ton of personal data about us as we surf, but they now fully admit to using the data gathered from your search and surfing history to create a comprehensive profile of you based on your interests to help refine search results. It sounds creepy I know, but it turns out its a rather useful feature.
Bryan Horling and Robby Bryant of Google have put together a short YouTube clip you can view after the jump to explain the process in more detail if your curious. For those that aren't comfortable with this level of tracking, the video also teaches you how to remove your web history from Google's servers if you value privacy over function. It is a useful feature to leave in place, but it certainly drives home just how much Google knows about us these days. Don't forget to check out the new Google Dashboard if you're interested in learning "just how much" they actually know.
Are you comfortable with the idea of having to opt out when it comes to privacy?
Comments are closed on this article
Mighty BOB!
December 08, 2009 at 5:13am
It would be nice if privacy was an opt-out sort of thing. The Internet would be a nicer place. Of course all that potential revenue from intruding on people's privacy would dry up, but nuts to them.
Tekzel
December 06, 2009 at 5:14pm
I highly doubt Google has anything on me I didn't give them in the first place. My various google services that I love... and even some search history for lesbian porn, tit pics, coding tutorials, etc. Yes, I am a stereotypical computer geek.
cdfrey
December 06, 2009 at 4:15pm
A google account is an opt-in service in the first place, so I think they are justified to collect the information they do. Google does collect tons of information on you, but it's good that they are trying to be transparent with information like this.
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