[LINK] Avoiding search personalisation for research - any links

Birch, Jim Jim.Birch at dhhs.tas.gov.au
Thu Jul 21 14:39:34 AEST 2011


stephen at melbpc.org.au wrote:

> Then right click for 'properties' for each of your (probably) four
Google call-home tasks that Google somehow secretly loads there, and
then select 'disable'.

I'd be careful about disabling automatic updates of any software unless
you know what you are doing and are prepared to monitor updates and
manage things yourself.  You only need one little rootkit to be horribly
compromised :)

> I presume these 'scheduled' Google tasks allow for personalization of
my web experience.

Why?  Most of this stuff is done well enough on the server side with
Google login and/or with cookies.  Google specifically tells you how to
disable search personalisation, for logged in and casual users:

http://www.google.com/support/accounts/bin/answer.py?answer=54041

If you are logged into Gmail you can even see your search history and
delete it all or selectively.  (eg, on Feb 28, 2007 at 9:17am I searched
Google News for "light globes" and viewed 4 listed results.)

https://www.google.com/history/ 

> I don't hate Google, and have google set as my browser start-up page,
but, I also think they go waaay too far.

If all internet companies we as upfront as Google and allowed me to
control this kind of stuff, I'd be pleased.  Google's business model
requires most users to trust them with their browsing history (and data)
and I do, more or less.  I also like to think having my search history
in Google might in some miniscule indirect way promote the better class
of websites I visit!  :-|  

- Jim






Want to Get Healthy?

The Tasmania Government's Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service provides free information and coaching support to Tasmanian adults who would like to learn healthier eating habits, be more active or achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Call 1300 806 258 between 8am and 8pm, Monday to Friday or visit www.gethealthy.tas.gov.au for more information.

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER

The information in this transmission may be confidential and/or protected by legal professional privilege, and is intended only for the person or persons to whom it is addressed. If you are not such a person, you are warned that any disclosure, copying or dissemination of the information is unauthorised. If you have received the transmission in error, please immediately contact this office by telephone, fax or email, to inform us of the error and to enable arrangements to be made for the destruction of the transmission, or its return at our cost. No liability is accepted for any unauthorised use of the information contained in this transmission. If the transmission contains advice, the advice is based on instructions in relation to, and is provided to the addressee in connection with, the matter mentioned above. Responsibility is not accepted for reliance upon it by any other person or for any other purpose.




More information about the Link mailing list