Is everyone aware that Google constantly spies on us?

Previous questions seemed to focus on Google being evil for its size and certain questionable activities (China, etc).





However, I am concerned about Google's continuous spying. According to the tech people at Netscape:





Google records everything they can:


For all searches they record the cookie ID, your Internet IP address, the time and date, your search terms, and your browser configuration. (see http://tech.netscape.com/viewstory/2006/...





*Should we give up using Google?


*Is it safer to use, Yahoo, MSN, and Dogpile searches?

Is everyone aware that Google constantly spies on us?
Hmm...I like yahoo better..
Reply:go to www.consumerist.com





Aol recently released the search queries of 500,000+ people.





I feel that is far worse.
Reply:That's a bogus report.
Reply:They probably all do it so whats the point
Reply:They don't constantly spy on us, only when we're at the google website. And even so, anywhere you go on the internet a website can get your IP address and record cookies. How do you think Yahoo already knows your screen name every time you sign on?
Reply:I don't care!!..let them keep spying.


I'll always search anything i want on google or anyother search engine.


If they didn't want us to search for it,why would they allow it to be registered in their database at the first place.?





So far as i am not a criminal....why would i be afraid of them?.
Reply:Any site you visit can gather that information. It's not like this is a trade secret. The problem is not that they record it, it's what they do with it.





If they use it to recall searched words I used recently, for my own benefit, I don't care. If they share that information without using anything that would point to me is ok too. But if my IP is shared... Now, that's something I don't like. Though that info would be available to police, etc





This is also something that is quite often used. There are a LOT more info your browser gives.
Reply:If Google can use any of the stupid crap I look up for any good reason, more power to 'em. I'm not exactly happy about it, but I still think that they are the best search engine I've used.
Reply:While the black helicopters seem to be buzzing all about, Google mines data to the same extent that a lot of websites do.





Being able to determine your demographic and target your audience has long been a successful sales tactic.





So, no, Ido not think we should give up Google.
Reply:I didn't know that google spies on us, but it is obvious that they WOULD record everything searched for.
Reply:They are forced by governments....


China forces them for example...
Reply:noooooooooooooooooooooooo!!! yes it is safer
Reply:To tell you the truth, I don't trust any of them, But I do use yahoo search engine all of the time.. This is my first time hearing about googles as I just add it to my toolbar (Hummmmmm)