Web searches create an intimate portrait of anonymous users

RAW STORY
Published: Monday August 14, 2006

The New York Times is set to report Tuesday on how search engines are increasingly using complex systems to analyze records of what users do at their sites, RAW STORY has learned.

The search companies say users have nothing to fear because personal information like names and addresses is not collected. However, it became clear last week, when a list of search queries from AOL customers began circulating online, just how complete a personal portrait even anonymous information can provide.