I can see a few impolite words will cross the table before this problem becomes resolved
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7335359.stmMany search engines currently collect and store information from each search query, holding information about the search query itself, the unique PC address (known as an IP number), and details about how a user makes their searches, such as the web browser that is being used.
Users who create an account with a search engine hand over more data to the firms, including search history. Some search engines also enrich personal data held on their users with information from third parties.
The report from the Article 29 Data Protection Working Party said search engine providers had "insufficiently explained" why they were storing and processing personal data to their users.
It said "search engine providers must delete or irreversibly anonymise personal data once they no longer serve the specified and legitimate purpose they were collected for".
The report said the personal data of users should not be stored or processed "beyond providing search results" if the user had not created an account or registered with the search engine.
The advisory body also said it preferred search engines did not collect and use personal data to serve personalised adverts unless the user had consented and signed up to the service.
I,m happy with anything the EU decides on when it comes to protecting my privacy, they have previously also ruled that bayTSP and Logistep are illegal data gatherers in the EU jurisdiction so they seem to be doing a good job
