The AOL Data Leak Stir
Recent events have put the spotlight squarely on the sensitivity of search string data. The culprit? An AOL data leak on a research site. This misstep saw search strings of 658,000 AOL members, spanning three months and 20 million compromised searches, exposed.
Schmidt Takes Center Stage
Anticipation built as Search Engine Watch editor, Danny Sullivan, prepared to interview Google’s CEO, Eric Schmidt, at the premier event of San Jose Search Engine Strategies show. With the New York Times in hand, Sullivan inquired about Schmidt’s perspective on search data privacy. The backdrop was revealing: the leaked AOL data actually originated from Google results.
Google’s Stand on Privacy
Schmidt was quick to draw attention to Google’s track record. He highlighted the company’s recent resistance against the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) request for search records. Their commitment to user data protection was exemplified when they contested the DOJ’s demand in court, a stand contrasting other search engines. This, Schmidt noted, aligns with Google’s “Do no evil” philosophy.
The Dark Side of Search Engines
Schmidt then pivoted to discussing some adverse uses of Google search, citing instances of individuals using the platform for criminal activities. His emphasis? While it’s challenging to prevent misuse, Google remains committed to ensuring user safety. An example he provided was Google’s feature that allows users to exclude their phone numbers from search results.
Click Fraud Concerns
Sullivan transitioned to the pressing topic of click fraud in Google’s Adwords pay-per-click system. Rather than delving into the legalities, Schmidt termed it a “business negotiation done in the courtroom,” ensuring that Google is actively addressing the challenge.
Google’s New Partnerships
Sullivan then navigated the conversation towards Google’s freshly-inked deals with MTV and MySpace. The former sees Google selling video ads around MTV’s popular show clips. However, it remains unclear if these ads will be integrated into the current automated system, given potential vetting requirements. Meanwhile, the MySpace partnership will introduce AdWords ads across its communities and make Google the exclusive search provider for all Fox Interactive Media sites.
Schmidt used this to underline the significance of displaying targeted ads to users across diverse platforms. He emphasized the value advertisers gain from tracking and metrics offered by tools like Google Analytics, aiding in comprehending ad expenditure returns.
Adsense’s Impact on Web Content
Sullivan transitioned to the Adsense topic, addressing concerns over low-quality content generated by publishers simply to host contextual ads. Schmidt’s response? “These are the problems of success.” Adsense, as per Schmidt, had far surpassed initial expectations.
The Google Algorithm Enigma
When the proprietary Google search algorithm surfaced, Schmidt declared it’s so confidential that even he’s chosen to remain oblivious. This drew varied reactions from the audience.
Navigating Copyright Waters
Schmidt shed light on Google’s stance on copyright, referencing the “Book Search” feature and other text usages. The company, he emphasized, operates strictly within “Fair Use” copyright guidelines.
Rapid-Fire Insights
Ending on a lighter note, Sullivan’s quick-fire questions revealed Schmidt’s frequent personal search habits, his reliance on search data for business decisions, and his favorite Google tools.
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