Ask.com offers to erase search histories

23 July 2007

Web users will soon be able to search anonymously on Ask.com by using a new function, the company reveals.

AskEraser is to give the user the choice of whether to store their search history in order to tailor their search results.

If the eraser is switched on, details of searches will not be stored, Ask.com states, ensuring privacy is maintained.

Jim Lanzone, chief executive officer of Ask.com, advises: "AskEraser is a great solution for those looking for an additional level of privacy when they search online."

"Anonymous user data can be very useful to enhance search products for all users and we're committed to being open and transparent about how such information is used," he adds.

The statement follows the news that Google stores its user information for a period of 18 months before deletion.

Meanwhile, the search engine giant recently moved to a two-year cookie lifespan, whereas they were previously set to expire in 2038.

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