Search History vs. Browsing History
In today's world, internet providers and search engines easily track everything you do online. If you want to record your online activity for your own use, there's nothing wrong with that. But when everything you've searched for online becomes accessible to organizations or databases, it threatens your privacy.
What is Search History?
It's any record of a user's search queries. Every time you enter a query in a search engine like Google, Yahoo, or Yandex, your account associated with that search engine saves a record of your recent history. Although it's primarily associated with search engines, search history is also collected by major social platforms like YouTube or Facebook. If you've used the search feature on any social media site, it's safe to assume you already have a search history in their database.
Search History and Browsing History
The main difference between search history and browsing history is that your search history is a list of everything you've entered into a search engine or search bar. Browsing history is all your online activity saved in your specific browser. Both include data about your cookies and cache and are usually automatically saved during online sessions. Search history is usually much more than just a list of visited web pages. Every time you search for information or content in Chrome, Firefox, or other browsers, the query you used is saved in the account linked to your online profile. This information is stored and synchronized across all your devices, unlike browsing history, which saves your web activity only in a specific browser or device.
Why do Search Engines Collect Search History Data?
One of the main reasons search engines collect your search history data is for personalization. Search engines are designed to make searching easier. Thus, the data you enter into a search engine contributes to forming your profile. This profile is important for the following reasons: - It helps the search engine refine the results it shows you, allowing you to spend less time searching. - It analyzes your search history to make future searches more relevant to your historical interests. - It personalizes recommendations for you in terms of advertising, content, and services. Personalization is also why your search history is stored on search engines linked to social media platforms and other similar sites. This makes navigating these sites easier and provides relevant content that can enhance your online experience by adapting it to your online habits.
Should I Delete My Search History?
Considering the usefulness of having a search history on websites and search engines you frequently use, you might think deleting your search history will only worsen your online experience. However, having an online record of all your search queries is a privacy issue that could lead to potential cyberattacks. Search engines can collect data anytime you're online, as long as you're logged into your account. This means data about you is always being collected, even those you wouldn't want to share. You also can't rely on the search engine always to ask you if you want to keep a record of your searches. Thus, as a user, you need to take initiative if you don't want your search history record to be saved online.
How to Make Your Online Searches More Private
Most search engines and social media platforms already offer options in account settings that can help make your online activity—including search history—more private. But if you're looking for general approaches to ensure greater security of your online searches, here are some:
Use Incognito
Mode When you switch to incognito mode, it somewhat prevents tracking of online activity. However, it only works in the specific session/browser you have open. Your activity can still be visible to your internet provider or administrators controlling your internet connection.
Use a VPN
It encrypts the information you send over the internet and hides your IP address from the sites you visit. This helps make your device and your online activity more secure. It won't stop Google from recording your activity if you're logged into your Google account, but it encrypts all online traffic from third parties, such as your internet provider.
Consider Private
Search Engines Search engines like Qwant, DuckDuckGo, and Startpage do not collect your information, unlike Google or Yahoo. Combined with a VPN, private search engines are usually the best approach to ensuring the privacy of your search history, web application activity, and overall activity data.
Delete Your Data from the Internet
A radical but important step forward if you want to keep your online activity private. Delete your social media accounts, clear cache in various browsers, and explore ways to remove personal information from the internet.
