AOL claims that because the search information has the actual user name replaced by a unique number, it's all fair. However, some user's have already noted that the information contained in the searches can often lead to positively identifying the individual.

Of course, I'm conducting a bit of research on my own... and it's highly educational! Even without knowing who they are, it's intriguing to see whatpeople are using their internet for.

For instance, user 6497 enjoys researching Tekken, the World of Warcraft, the periodic table of elements, the atomic bomb, speedos, men in speedos, and "speedo boys". Also, "ricky martin in speedos."

Even more interesting, however, is the problem faced by user 2178. On May 26, 2006 she was able to avert disaster by quickly researching how to induce dog defecation with her AOL broadband connection! HURRAY!

Obviously, this mandates additional study. At last I can know exactly when and where people are searching for things like:

• myspace car backgrounds
• expresso pots
• bobcat 300 loaders
• 1971 playboy playmates
• fur cow hide saddlebags
• pictures of green monsters
• rainbow pet rainbow plushies

It's amazing. Stay tuned.

Example Snippet:

User 2178 researches the emergency induction of defecation and vomiting for dog after it (presumably) ate uncooked pasta:

References

• AOL Research: 500K User Search Data
• AOL Sucks

Addendum

AOL removed the data set from their site the next day, but the information continues to swirl around the internet.

© 2005 Copyright Steve Conover. All rights reserved.