Ken Moss posted an explanation on the MSN Search Blog explaining the reasoning
behind MSN's decision to release search query data to the U.S. government last week when presented with a subpoena.
Yahoo also handed over the requested information. Google rejected the request and has stated it will test the legality
of the request in the courts.The argument Moss puts forward seems reasonable - it's well-worded and soothing. But the comments following the post tell the real tale. Customers are angry about the release of information that might contain personally identifying information. The ratio of "oK with this" vs. "I'll never search using MSN again" is running about 1:9.
What do you think? Did MSN and Yahoo make a mistake by handing the data over without a protest? Do you admire Google for standing up to the request?
UPDATE: I'm no math genius. I flipped the ratio numbers around. More importantly, it's a lot clearer now, based on reports coming out of the MSN Search Champs meeting that just took place this week that MSN was very zealous about making sure no personally identifiable information was provided to the government. No IP addresses. Nothing that could link a particular query term and an individual person. It's all too easy to assume that Microsoft just "caved" - particularly for those who are predisposed to think poorly of the company. The reality is a different story.
1. Of course I admire Google, they actually have a backbone! I didn't even realize MSN was still used for searching :D
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-Ryan
http://www.cybernetnews.com
Posted at 11:22PM on Jan 21st 2006 by Ryan