Search Engine Optimisation Web Log (BLOG)
Editor: Matt Paines

| This News Blog is dedicated to bringing news, information and innovations targeting the Search Engine Optimisation industry.

Server log time cut by Google

Google has announced it is cutting the length of time it keeps its search server logs.

As it stands the search engine keeps the logs for up to two years but the announcement will see that reduced to 18 months.

Google says it uses the data gained from its toolbar usage, email and search history because it helps the company to deliver more accurate and personalised search results.

But this is an issue which is controversial and many of its critics argue that Google knows too much about the searching and surfing habits of its users.

One of its critics is human rights group Privacy International which recently ranked Google bottom of its list of internet service companies with regard to issues of privacy.

However Google has argued it has a legitimate interest in retaining search server logs to improve search algorithms for the benefit of users. It also argues that logs are used to defend systems from malicious access and exploitation attempts as well as maintaining the integrity of its systems by fighting click fraud.

They are also used to protect users from threats like spam and phishing to respond to valid legal orders from law enforcement as they investigate and prosecute serious crimes like child exploitation.

M.P

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