Search In The Headlines Today

Front Page LA Times:
U.S. Obtains Internet Users Search Records

Front Page Daily News:
Feds Try To Google Google

Subheadline:
Yahoo and others reveal queries from millions of people; Google refuses. Identities aren’t included, but the data trove stirs privacy fears.

Federal investigators have obtained potentially billions of Internet search requests made by users of major websites run by Yahoo, Inc., Microsoft Corp. and America Online. The information turned over represents a week’s worth of online queries from millions of Americans – the Internet equivalent of eavesdropping on their inner monologues.

The Internet companies said that the information did not violate their users’ privacy because the data did not include names or computer addresses. The disclosure alarmed civil liberties advocates, who fear that the government could seek more detailed information later.

A Justice Department spokesman said the government is interested only in search trends as part of its efforts to regulate online pornography. Privacy advocates said the opportunity to peruse search queries provided an unprecedented glimpse into people’s private thoughts and habits, as search engines have become an integral part of daily life.