Search results based on recent search history

[Marcia]

I just saw that in the upper right of a search I did, and thanks but no thanks! No way do I want that.

I don't recall opting in to it, not with all the diverse searches I always have to do that have nothing to do with me personally, many of which I certainly wouldn't want to be associated with, even as a statistic. But I sure enough want out, and I really do think opting in should be very visibly and unmistakeably evident.

Sign in > My Account > Services > Opt Out (I hope)

[Receptional Andy]

I assume you have search history enabled? I disable that for any of the Google accounts I use (a fair few!) and I haven't seen any altered results yet. Adds an interesting twist to search results, though, although it isn't something I'd be very keen on myself.

[jimbeetle]

That's the recent searches bit. I haven't as yet seen it, but there should be a no thanks thingy under 'more details'.

From the G blog post [googleblog.blogspot.com]:

Because recent search activity provides such valuable context for understanding the meaning behind your searches, we use it to customize your results whenever possible, regardless of whether you're signed in or signed out.

[Robert Charlton]

Also from the paragraph jimbeetle quotes..

...we keep the most recent query on your browser for a limited time. After that, the information is removed from your browser and disappears immediately if you close your browser.

This sounds like they might be using the Toolbar search history.

[Marcia]

Web History relies on your Toolbar's PageRank feature to associate the web pages you visit with your Google Account. See our Web History and Toolbar Privacy Policies. Learn more.

[google.com...]

Indeed, it is Toolbar history, and there are two choices: Entire web history and limit web history to searches. So in other words, results get skewed and there IS no privacy possible, no opting out, with the Toolbar enabled.

[Robert Charlton]

...Toolbar history...

Suppose you have "Suggest searches from my search history" disabled?

Does that prevent the accumulation of a Toolbar session history while the Toolbar is enabled, or merely prevent it from displaying as you use the search box?