What Does Search Engine Tracking Do?
Search engine tracking is used to collect data about what users search for on the internet.
This data is then used to improve search results, provide targeted advertising, and analyze user behaviour. For example, if a user searches for a certain type of product, search engine companies may use that data to display related ads or show more relevant search results.
However, search engine tracking can also be used to invade users’ privacy. Search engine companies can store and use data about a user’s search history, which can be used to create a profile of the user and track their online behaviour. So if you want to protect your privacy on search engines, you need to know how to disable search tracking.
How Search Engines Track Your Searches
Search engines track your searches in two ways: through tracking cookies and by using your IP address.
Tracking cookies are small pieces of data that are stored on your computer when you visit a website. These cookies can be used to track your browsing habits and activities. Search engines use tracking cookies to store data about your searches and to track your browsing habits.
Your IP address is a unique identifier that is assigned to your device when you are connected to the internet. Search engines can use your IP address to track your searches and to determine your location. This means that your searches can be tracked even if you are not logged into a specific search engine.
How to Disable Search Tracking on Search Engines
If you want to disable search tracking on search engines, such as Yahoo and DuckDuckGo, here are some steps you can take:
- Delete your search history. Most search engines allow you to delete your search history. This will prevent search engines from tracking your searches.
- Use a private browser. Private browsers, such as Incognito Mode in Chrome and Private Browsing in Firefox, prevent search engines from tracking your searches.
- Use a VPN. A VPN will prevent search engines from tracking your IP address and location.
- Disable cookies. Most browsers allow you to disable cookies, which will prevent search engines from tracking your browsing habits.
SafeSearch Effectiveness
A survey from Harvard Law School’s Berkman Center for Internet & Society concluded that SafeSearch was not successful in preventing the appearance of pornographic images in search results. The filter also blocked useful websites such as those managed by the White House, IBM, the American Library Association, and Liz Claiborne.
The blacklisting of certain search terms is made difficult by homographs (e.g., “beaver”), and the dynamic URLs of porn websites make blacklisting certain URLs ineffective. Additionally, software for tagging images with flesh tones as pornographic content is challenging since there are different skin colours, and pictures of babies may have a lot of flesh tones. Google’s ability to suppress porn has been an essential part of its relationship with the People’s Republic of China.