1/24/2006
Google Tracks Users Web Searches
I hate the fact that while I am logged in to my Adwords/Adsense account and I do a Google search from the same browser (different tab or window) that my searches show that I am logged in to Google too. What about all of the times I forget to explicitly logout of a Google property? We know they log as much about each search as possible, if they have your login profile too, the searches can be linked to you, your address, email, SSN.
If the Feds succeed with their subpoena Google’s search logs it will make it easy to put together a full search profile for users tracked by their various accounts with Google; Gmail, Adsense, Adwords, Analytics.
Another thing, why does my login to Adwords or Adsense eventually expire (”You must login again to view this page”) but it never seems to with searches.
Popularity: 19%
February 10th, 2006 at 3:54 pm
I’ve noticed this as well. It’s possible that the AdWords page has a more strict login functionality seeing as it deals with money and has important personal details.