EU’s Data Private Experts to Check the Data Storage Practices of Google

According to privacy rights advocates, the world's most popular search engine, Google, is the most invasive search engine too. Now experts from European Union data privacy want to check whether the data storage practices of Google are in accordance with the Union's rules.

In May last week, Peter Fleischer, global privacy counsel of Google, received a message directly addressed to him. The message was an open letter from Article 29 Data Protection Working Party of EU. This body advises the Commission on data privacy issues. The letter was sent by "snail mail" to Google by the group. It may be because the body of 28 members has no trust in the privacy practices of Google - the search engine titan.

Actual search query that can, after some time, give a detailed description of people's likings and dislikings, health concerns, interests and the pattern of consumption is the most debatable information saved on the server.

Moreover, all this critical information is directly linked to the Internet Protocol (IP) address of the computer, a number series which recognizes the connecting device uniquely. For re-visitors, the search engine giant has allegedly set up a cookie on its hard drive that brings more information and tracks clicks via Google Website.

As per Dw-world.De on May 29, 2007, a German state-level Deputy Commissioner for Data Privacy said that exchange of data by double clicks is a matter of concern for them. It is imperative for Google to set the record straight.

In defending its practice, Google is constantly saying that it needs the information to amend its products, save against malevolent attacks, probe into net frauds, and combat online spam. Google's Peter Fleischer said that they want to discuss with the working party about striking a balance between these targets, as per a statement published by Dw-World.De on May 29, 2007.

Also, Google has emerged as the undisputed leader and this also explains that why the focus of European data protection experts is on this particular US-based company. However, like Google, Yahoo, and Microsoft has similar practices for storing search query, but these companies, so far, have not been noticed and checked by EU data privacy officials.

Related article: E-Crime Reporting Format To Be Launched in July

» SPAMfighter News - 6/8/2007