Ask.com launch AskEraser privacy tool
Ask.com has launched a new tool that allows Internet users to search anonymously.
The AskEraser, which stops the search engine recording data about users’ search queries, will be a welcome development for those concerned about online privacy.
When activated, AskEraser prevents information such as the users’ IP address, user and session IDs and search query text from being stored on Ask’s servers.
The prominence of the option appears to be a statement from Ask.com that they are taking the issue of user privacy seriously. It is particularly notable for coming during a period when many other online services are trying to capture extra user information so that they can offer a more personalised experience.
“For people who worry about their online privacy, AskEraser now gives them control of their search information,” explained Jim Lanzone, Ask.com Chief Executive.
Although it is sometimes possible to prevent other search engines from storing your data, Ask is the first to make the option so easy to take. To switch on the AskEraser, you only need to click the option at the top-right of the screen: 
Ask.com have reasoned that allowing people the choice of opting-out of having their personal details stored will win them additional popularity in the search engine market. It could strike a chord with many; Google (who currently store user data on their servers for up to 18 months) have faced heavy criticism for taking the personal privacy issue too lightly.
The calls for better online privacy protection have recently been growing louder, with high profile cases such as the launch of Facebook’s controversial Beacon advertising system and AOL releasing 650,000 search queries for academic study.
However, although studies show that more of us are concerned about privacy, there is also to suggest only a small proportion are prepared to take action to do anything about it.
“Consumers have taken an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ approach,” says Nick Gonzalez of TechCrunch. “We’re finding that people are willing to pay for the best free products with their privacy.”
Both Google and Yahoo have gone on record to say that they are satisfied with their approach to privacy and have no plans to introduce such a tool. If by taking the lead Ask.com can grow their estimated market share of less than 5% they may well reconsider.
“If others follow suit on the AskEraser concept and raise the bar on privacy in the industry - we all win: search engine and consumer alike.” commented Lanzone.
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