RSSAOL Slammed Over Search Data Release
By Ed Oswald | Published August 7, 2006, 1:36 PM
AOL's decision to release search data on 20 million searches performed over a three-month period is receiving criticism from across the Internet, and is renewing calls for greater privacy when it comes to Web searches. The data first appeared about ten days ago on the company's research site, but was not discovered until the weekend.
While the identities of the users were scrambled to protect AOL users, it is still possible to see what users were searching for by searching for that scrambled identity. This could include searches for personal information on the Internet, some say.
A representative for AOL said the company was "upset and angry" over the mistake, and admitted it did not properly vet the file for any personal information. Still, the company defended the premise of the offering as an attempt to "reach out to the academic community."
It is common for many Web surfers to use search engines in order to see what is posted about themselves or their family on the Internet. In fact, several consumer groups actively suggest "Googling" to ensure their personal data is not compromised.
AOL removed the data Sunday night around 10pm Eastern. However, the damage had already been done. Some say the data in these files could be used by unscrupulous marketers who would use the keyword data for ad spamming on sites like Google. Others claim that AOL should be boycotted for violating users privacy, and others wondered if the data may be poured over by law enforcement.
At least one searcher, user 17556639, searched multiple times on topics of how to kill his wife, along with pictures of dead people, murders, car crashes, and decapitations.
While some claim that personal information is included in these files, AOL disagreed, yet said it was not attempting to defend itself. "Although there was no personally-identifiable data linked to these accounts, we're absolutely not defending this. It was a mistake, and we apologize."
An internal investigation is now underway, AOL said.
QUOTE: "others wondered if the data may be poured over by law enforcement."
Or perhaps pored over? Or maybe pawed over?
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How is that apology going to reclaim the privacy of all the users who had their rights violated?
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Tell me where in the constitution it says that you have the right to privacy when using a search engine........... Nothing you do online is private.. wake up..
Also funny how the people who scream about privacy are the same idiots posting all their information on their myspace profiles and talking loudly on their cell phones in public about personal stuff...
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I had the opportunity to look over some of those data files. It makes for interesting reading. Some of the things people search for are insane. If I had the time ( and was bored) I would compile a "worst of" list.
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I, as well, got ahold of the download. I'm just curious. I don't expect to find anything useful, nor would I abuse it if I did.
There's people out there who aren't as scrupulous as we are though...
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One more reason why AOL can never be Google...
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try looking on Mininova.org the searches are their for you to download
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A representative for AOL said the company was "upset and angry" over the mistake, and admitted it did not properly vet the file for any personal information.
"Although there was no personally-identifiable data linked to these accounts, we're absolutely not defending this. It was a mistake, and we apologize."
These two statements do not appear to mesh. Get your story straight AOL. Everyone else realizes that a lot of people search for their own names, thus making their search data potentially personally-identifiable. Why can't you?
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Everyone else realizes that a lot of people search for their own names, thus making their search data potentially personally-identifiable. Why can't you?
They stuck with AOL search?
*grin*
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eh sarcasm or not, google powers AOL search
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Apparently 2 letter replies don't come through the best.
...interesting.
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Not just replies. Two-letter lines disappear as well. Take this for example:
There is a "=p" on the line below:
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Put something in between a greater than and less than signs, like
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or between brackets:
lol this is sad...
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Someone needs to document all the nifty 'features' of the BN comments section.
Maybe then they'll add some. ;)
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