Google is testing new ad-serving technology with added privacy protections: In our ad-serving tests, we're introducing an opt-out mechanism so people can opt out of the test ad-serving cookie if they wish. In addition, we’re going to experiment with ways…
Category: Privacy
Google Posts Search Privacy Video, and Leaving Comments Threatens Privacy
Peter Fleischer, Google's Global Privacy Counsel, has posted a short video to help explain basic search privacy concepts, such as what appears in a search query log entry, etc. This is really basic stuff, but a good step towards educating…
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More Attention to Search Privacy
I noted a few weeks ago how privacy of Web search data has recently become an issue in the forefront of many people's minds. Well, the virus is spreading: Search engines dealing with privacy standards: The European Digital Rights advocacy…
Google Patent on Ambient Audio Surveillance
About a year ago Google posted interesting research on technology enabling your computer to listen to the ambient sounds emitted from your TV, automatically determine what is being watched (recognizing the theme song to "Seinfeld" or the sounds of a…
FTC to Host Town Hall to Examine Privacy Issues and Online Behavioral Advertising
In response to recent concerns about Internet and search companies developing the means to track and profile users based on psychological and behavioral traits, the FTC has announced plans to host a town hall meeting to "address the consumer protection…
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Recent Improvements to TrackMeNot
For those concerned about the ease at which Web search providers can monitor, capture and profile your search activity, you'll be pleased to know that some important enhancements have been added to the popular TrackMeNot Firefox extension. As you might…
Some Answers – and More Questions – on Wikia Search, Advertising, and User Privacy
Jimbo Wales replied to my open questions on some of the privacy concerns that quickly arise given that it seems Wikia Search will be advertising supported. From the open forum (my original requestions in bold, Wales' answers beneath): What kind…
Read More Some Answers – and More Questions – on Wikia Search, Advertising, and User Privacy
Open Questions on Wikia Search, Advertising, and User Privacy
I think we've all heard now that Jimbo Wales has set his sights on creating a search engine to rival Google, Yahoo and the rest of the gang. It is currently under development as Wikia Search (but I'm guessing the…
Read More Open Questions on Wikia Search, Advertising, and User Privacy
EarthLink to Stop New Municipal Wi-Fi Programs Citing Lack of Profit
Citing the absence of an acceptable return on investment, Earthlink announced that they are halting all new (and not-yet-completed) municipal wi-fi projects, which presumably includes the problematic San Francisco project (in partnership with Google). I have two initial reactions: First,…
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Quaero Forum: A public think tank on the politics of the search engine
The Jan van Eyck Academie in beautiful Maastricht, Netherlands is hosting a forum on the French information technology project Quaero, its political agenda, and the new frontiers that appear if its initial questions are to be taken seriously. For the…
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