Search Google Anonymously

They're always watching me. Everywhere I go... they're already there!

http://googlonymous.com/
from WinCustomize Forums

There's been a lot of attention paid lately to how long search engines, specifically Google, retain personal information on people who use its services.  Privacy nuts have been getting increasingly nervous about the power a handful of companies have to gather and sort personal data.  To answer this growing fear, a website has appeared, aptly named "Googlonymous" it allows you to feed search terms into Google without giving them your data.

The service goes out, does the search for you and returns the results.  That way Google never sees you searching, they only see Googlonymous.

If you're up for some alarmist journalism to back up the fears, Googlonymous also has a CNBC special about the dangers of data retention and who's watching who on the front page.

4,834 views 11 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Googlonymous worked good for me, I figured it would be slow but it's not. The video was very informative, now I'm afraid to go out!
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I'm afraid to DL the flashplayer...   
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Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top

a 2 hour video? ...c'mon ....show just the pertinent bits, and I'll take the time to watch it.

Although ...the old adage applies anyway ...do something bad, and you'll be found out .... be a good upstanding citizen, and you have nothing to fear....

Heck, they can have all the info on me they want ...they'll soon see how boring I can be.

Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
.they'll soon see how boring I can be.


Same here....they'd need some pretty effective uppers just to stay awake. In fact, I'm so incredibly boring these days, I even put myself to sleep.

I don't have to worry about Google retaining my search info cos I don't use 'em any more ....read that once you invite them into your computer they can see (using technology similar to Stardock's political filter) into various rooms in your house to see which products you buy and how you use them....and I don't want 'em peering into my bathroom.

I don't want them to know I lied on the last market survey I completed - to receive a parcel of high priced brand name products instead of the generic crap I can afford. I'd rather they just didn't know that we don't use those expensive kitchen wipes; those fancy shmancy (prints) facial tissues; those hoity toity brand name cotton balls or the lanolin enriched make-up removers for the missus...yeah, we just keep a roll of generic toilet paper in most rooms for those accidental spills/impromptu sneezing fits, etc.

Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
be a good upstanding citizen, and you have nothing to fear....


Yes I will obey. Yes my papers are in order. I have nothing fear.
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top

So...

Instead of Google getting your info....some other bloody site gets it....

Yep, that'll work a treat.

Logic is a tad lacking, I think,,,,

Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top

and I don't want 'em peering into my bathroom.

....I would'nt fear that, Starkers

...what, with the curried cabbage & all ....vapor cloud would be impenetrable by anything other than the hubble...   

Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Wasn't there a "Law & Order" episode about this a while back?
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
"Privacy nuts have been getting increasingly nervous about the power a handful of companies have to gather and sort personal data."

Privacy nuts? You mean that people who want to protect their privacy are nuts? Crazy? Out of touch with reality? OK, can I pick what kind of nut I am? You know. Walnut, peanut, cashew, almond, etc.
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Instead of Google getting your info....some other bloody site gets it....

Yep, that'll work a treat.


That was exactly my thought as well. I really don't see what's the point of this site.
Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Just use TOR (free, see http://tor.eff.org) - one problem solved (but created others). Another option: Use a different search engine. Or a meta engine. Block cookies other than session cookies. Whatever you do though, you're always going to leave a trail on the 'net, and others will almost always be able to use that data in ways you won't like. Want to be anonymous? Log off, cancel your phone, drop your bank account, your credit card info, any kind of personal ID, social security number (if you live in the US) and so on.

Many companies gather anything they can about you and sell it. There's just about nothing you can do about it.