Lot 49: AOL Releases 20 Million Search Queries Archives

08/ 6/06

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AOL Releases 20 Million Search Queries

Evidently believing that privacy advocates are insane, AOL has decided to release some 20 million search queries from about half a million users -- perhaps the same data set it already gave the Department of Justice.

On the positive side, no IP address information is included and the user ids are anonymized. On the negative side, an enterprising researcher is sure to be able to identify some people solely using their search terms, such as those who search for their own names or Web sites. At the very least, those named in searches won't appreciate being offered up for public scrutiny.

It seems AOL is searching for someone who'll sue the company.

Update: AOL has removed the data. More at TechCrunch.

Posted by Thomas Claburn on August 06, 2006 | Permalink

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