yegg

It’s a myth you need to track people in web search to make money. We primarily make money by serving ads just based on the keyword you type in, and not any personal information or search history, which we don’t have per our privacy policy.

For example, if you type in ‘car’ you will get a car ad. It’s that simple. For more details see our help page on the subject.

No.

I personally don't, though I don't get offended when people do. It has become a generic term like Kleenex at this point.

Just today I did a short video address for Data Privacy Day on this issue. The two issues I highlight that I think resonate (as they should) are:

• Google is now tracking you on 76% of websites, with Facebook lurking on about a quarter. The data they collect as you browse the web, combined with your search history, likes, and other information, leads to huge personal profiles that are used to target invasive ads at you across the Internet.
• They also are used with sophisticated AI algorithms to put you in the Google and Facebook Filter Bubble, in which both companies show you biased results based on what they think you want to see, filtering out things like opposing viewpoints.

In terms of help we suggest:

• Get the DuckDuckGo browser extension and mobile app that blocks Google and Facebook trackers across the Internet along with other privacy essentials.

• Switch away from Google to private alternatives.

• While Facebook is harder to leave, it's worth trying to live without Facebook, freeing yourself from their invasive ads and the Facebook Filter Bubble.

• Secure your devices.

Iran and China block us. I suppose that rises to condemnation.