[germainebull]

I've noted that some of my Google search results bear text underneath describing when I last visited a particular page/site and how many times I've visited this page/site. What is the significance of this text?

[skysnap]

I guess they seem to be tracking particular IP address visiting a paricular website. And they seem to be counting that part.

[sprite1950]

Yes I've noticed that occurs when it's something I visit frequently but not on everything. I didn't reaise they were tracking my IP address though.

[earthsalt]

Doesn't this tracking of my IP constitute infringement of my privacy?

[skysnap]

Doesn't this tracking of my IP constitute infringement of my privacy?

It does. But people ignore that. If you have google analytics on your website you can learn about their browser, IP, state, city, language and exit page on your site. You can guess how much google can track about you.

[Sainfai]

Doesn't this tracking of my IP constitute infringement of my privacy?

It does. But people ignore that. If you have google analytics on your website you can learn about their browser, IP, state, city, language and exit page on your site. You can guess how much google can track about you.

Seems weird that they're just allowed to do that, to track so many things about you. What do they use this information for?

[skysnap]

Doesn't this tracking of my IP constitute infringement of my privacy?

It does. But people ignore that. If you have google analytics on your website you can learn about their browser, IP, state, city, language and exit page on your site. You can guess how much google can track about you.

Seems weird that they're just allowed to do that, to track so many things about you. What do they use this information for?

Making money by selling this data to advertisers. And another way is to improve their search quality.

[germainebull]

Making money by selling this data to advertisers. And another way is to improve their search quality.

I endorse the bit about improving the search quality. I'm not as enthusiastic about the notion that someone sells my data.

[skysnap]

Making money by selling this data to advertisers. And another way is to improve their search quality.

I endorse the bit about improving the search quality. I'm not as enthusiastic about the notion that someone sells my data.

They have to pay bills too. So they do it through that. Adwords means they are selling your location. so that advertisers can sell stuff to you.

[suny]

I agree with @skysnap after all Google spends a lot to keep the world connected so if they keep a track on our activities we should not mind them. By the way, I have a feeling that Google knows all including my bank accounts and my passwords.

[skysnap]

I agree with @skysnap after all Google spends a lot to keep the world connected so if they keep a track on our activities we should not mind them. By the way, I have a feeling that Google knows all including my bank accounts and my passwords.

I don't think they know bank account and password. Because that part requires them to have something installed on your system. They can't get that data. However google does know your location, your search habits, your age, your financial status as in your capacity to spend, your family and other members data if they use internet.

This is scary too. Because in 2013, google shared what type of porn searches were made by people in pakistan and middle east. They highlighted the data with region specific details on keywords. This is really scary. Imagine all that we type maps to us and can be used against us if government files some case on us

Only people who are safe are the ones who don't use internet. Otherwise google has this data on all the world. And considering Google is US based, it is shared with FBI. So that can be one concern.

[Angie10]

That's why you'll see certain type adverts appearing on your Facebook wall! They're tracking our every move, Big Borther really is watching. It gets weirder when you then start receiving spam email relating to your online activity. Ever since I started my blog, I've been receiving all manner of junk mail advertising all sorts; from better SEO tricks, web design services right through to web hosting! I just bin them all.

[suny]

I agree with @skysnap after all Google spends a lot to keep the world connected so if they keep a track on our activities we should not mind them. By the way, I have a feeling that Google knows all including my bank accounts and my passwords.

I don't think they know bank account and password. Because that part requires them to have something installed on your system. They can't get that data. However google does know your location, your search habits, your age, your financial status as in your capacity to spend, your family and other members data if they use internet.

This is scary too. Because in 2013, google shared what type of porn searches were made by people in pakistan and middle east. They highlighted the data with region specific details on keywords. This is really scary. Imagine all that we type maps to us and can be used against us if government files some case on us

Only people who are safe are the ones who don't use internet. Otherwise google has this data on all the world. And considering Google is US based, it is shared with FBI. So that can be one concern.

I suggest you use incognito browser while watching something you do not want to reflect on your main browser including Facebook etc

[peachpurple]

I've noted that some of my Google search results bear text underneath describing when I last visited a particular page/site and how many times I've visited this page/site. What is the significance of this text?

I think it means too many times that is beyond their calculations

[raaman]

Interesting to know. However, I have not come across such a thing so far.

[germainebull]

I agree with @skysnap after all Google spends a lot to keep the world connected so if they keep a track on our activities we should not mind them. By the way, I have a feeling that Google knows all including my bank accounts and my passwords.

I'm not sure about the passwords bit. Why would Google want to have my account password if not for some nefarious reason?

[earthsalt]

Making money by selling this data to advertisers. And another way is to improve their search quality.

I endorse the bit about improving the search quality. I'm not as enthusiastic about the notion that someone sells my data.

They have to pay bills too. So they do it through that. Adwords means they are selling your location. so that advertisers can sell stuff to you.

If this is the whole situation, with no hidden agendas, I have no problem with Google and allied companies tracking my online activities.

[skysnap]

If this is the whole situation, with no hidden agendas, I have no problem with Google and allied companies tracking my online activities.

Well they do have hidden agenda obviously. Collecting this much information and not being evil is less likely to happen. So yes, be cautious with google. Don't rely on them unless they are paying you.

[thisnthat]

I agree with @skysnap after all Google spends a lot to keep the world connected so if they keep a track on our activities we should not mind them. By the way, I have a feeling that Google knows all including my bank accounts and my passwords.

All the more reason to use the available tools such as private searches, adblockers, and Internet security software such as Kaspersky.