It worries me that Bing can so readily access my information, and display it on my friends’ searches. What if I don’t want that information shared or displayed?
Seeking more users of its Bing search engine, Microsoft teamed up with Facebook to allow a more “personalized” search. Bing now has access to any public information on your Facebook profile, and when you search using the engine it will use that information to fine-tune the results and display your friends’ opinions. There are two sides to this coin: the added convenience and the concern of privacy violation.
I think the added convenience will prove negligible to the vast majority of people. I don’t know about you, but most of the things I use search engines for are unrelated to my favorite movie or my best friend. How is it going to help that I like the Chicago Cubs when I search for a casserole recipe? Or that I enjoy alternative rock when I’m looking for the closest Bank of America?
Meanwhile, privacy concerns are much more real. Microsoft chose to make the deal with Facebook—a deal Google has resisted—in an effort to enhance its user experience and gain market share. Currently, only one in nine searches goes through Bing, whereas roughly two of every three go through Google (not surprising in a world where “Google” has become a recognized verb). By tapping in to Facebook’s limitless supply of user information, Bing hopes to take some of Google’s loyal customers. But it worries me that Bing can so readily access my information, and display it on my friends’ searches. What if I don’t want that information shared or displayed?
Can I Turn It Off?
This “instant personalization” feature is not difficult to turn off, which is a relief. On your Facebook page, click the privacy settings in the top right section. On the bottom of this page you will find a link to change application and websites settings. On that page, you can deselect the feature and Facebook will not be linked to sites like Bing.
However, I am concerned for the millions of people who do not realize that their information is now shared by Bing and other linked sites. Bing claims the information will not be used to select targeted ads, but they should have to disclose more and issue a warning to every Facebook user regarding the details of the feature before it takes effect. Otherwise it steals private information and sends it along to sources the subject is unaware of. And that is a major violation of privacy.