Search Security: Ask, and You Shall Receive

Google search rival Ask.com is providing its clients with a new tool called AskEraser, which prevents the company from storing a user's search results.

AskEraser gives searchers the ability to control their search history and data retention at the same time. While the program is extremely user-friendly, it is surprisingly only the first of its kind amongst the world's top search engines.

The sceptical may wonder how this concept can possibly be successful if leading search engines, such as Google, did not discover it first. In terms of mechanics, "with AskEraser, users can instantly request that their search results not be retained, and if they do so, some sort of marker pops up on their search result pages, indicating that their privacy is indeed being protected." (Source: regdeveloper.co.uk)

Wondering if AskEraser is right for your technology-related needs? An Ask.com CEO claims that the site will do its best to accommodate everyone. "AskEraser is a great solution for those looking for an additional level of privacy when they search online. Anonymous user data can be very useful to enhance search products for all users, and we're committed to being open and transparent about how such information is used."

Makes you wonder what Google is doing for your protection, huh?

According to most critics, definitely not enough. "Starting later this year Google's search cookies will expire after two years rather than the current policy which stores cookies until 2038." Basically, while Google dances around the idea of customer security for two years with its cookie policy, Ask.com is ensuring instant privacy. (Source: blog.wired.com)

It seems as if this new privacy concept has been developed at a good time. Lately, security issues have surfaced in relation to the popular search engines. For those who are eager to start using AskEraser, the estimated waiting period is short. The tool should reach the United States and the United Kingdom before the end of the year. It will make its first appearance in other countries at the beginning of 2008.