Are Search Queries a Private Matter?

Posted by  SEM Certification: 1:45 PM, October 30, 2006

I used to analyze search patterns for an artificially intelligent search engine and I was amazed at what people are searching to find on the web. Dreadful, awful, nasty, ignorant, things that you would never believe. Are search queries private? yes and they should stay that way.

Posted by  Melanie Phung: 5:23 PM, October 31, 2006

I'm afraid to even ask. But regardless of whether users are searching for depraved and awful things, I agree that search queries should be private. Just like I believe my library records shouldn't be public information.

But what about federal subpoenas? Do you think the Feds should be able to use the courts to demand info about individual search queries?

Posted by  Jaimie: 6:03 PM, November 14, 2006

After looking at the leaked AOL data, I never want to see that crap again. I mean, if I search for dog pr0n, that's my business ... and if someone else does, I really don't want to know anyway ;)