Google Aims to Bolster Privacy of Web Surfer Data

15 March 2007

Google Aims to Bolster Privacy of Web Surfer Data
PC Magazine – Mar 14, 2007

Google Inc., faced with a mountain of data on its users' Web search habits, is taking steps to bolster consumer privacy protections in coming months, the company said late on Wednesday.

The world's leading provider of Web search said it is taking steps to anonymize, or obscure details, after 18 to 24 months on the surfing habits of tens of millions of Web users that could potentially be used to identify individuals.

Google adding search privacy protections
ZDNet – Mar 14, 2007

Google is changing its data retention practices to make it harder to identify the specific computers used in searches.
Google's servers log information every time someone conducts a Web search, keeping data such as the keywords used, the Internet Protocol address or unique number assigned to that person's computer, and information from Web cookies, which are small bits of data exchanged between a server and a Web browser each time the browser accesses the server. Cookies are used to authenticate the user and maintain information such as the user's site preferences.

A la Mobile platform supports dual-mode phones
InfoWorld, CA - 6 hours ago

Linux-based mobile phone software package makes convergence and integration on mobile devices a much simpler process.A la Mobile is hoping to help fuel the supply of converged Wi-Fi and GSM phones with a new version of its Linux-based mobile phone software package.


VoIP Linux Stack for Dual-Mode Phones
Cellular-News, UK – Mar 14, 2007

The Linux mobile phone systems supplier, a la Mobile has announced the immediate availability of a complete Voice over IP (VoIP) Linux system stack for WiFi/GSM dual-mode phones. Designed for market entry readiness, it is the first of the company's new Made-Ready Series of Linux software offerings tuned for mobile phones.


Skype Launches Foray Into Online Communities
TMCnet – Mar 14, 2007

Seeking to broaden its reach beyond broadband voice, Skype (News - Alert) has announced online software that enables users to share knowledge with one another.
The programs, designed to run under Skype 3.1 for Windows, include SkypeFind and Skype Prime. According to Skype, the programs will enable its users to go beyond simple voice and video calls into markets where access to expertise and knowledge are essential.


Skype Goes Beyond Voice and Introduces SkypeFind and Beta Version ...
Business Wire (press release), CA – Mar 14, 2007

Skype today announced Skype™ 3.1 for Windows, introducing SkypeFindTM and Skype PrimeTM (Beta), giving people new ways to share knowledge with one another. These new additions take Skype beyond simple voice and video calls into new markets where access to expertise and knowledge are essential commodities.


Broadband subsidy cut-backs guarantee intense competition
Computerworld Australia, Australia – Mar 15, 2007

Broadband subsidy cut-backs guarantee intense competition
ISPs forced into the commercial battlefield
Koala Telecom today declared it has not received one red cent from the government's Broadband Connect program proudly stating that it is business as usual at the Adelaide-based Internet Service Provider (ISP).