Business
Google asks why people search
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted June 8, 2009
Google will be asking users searching for various health-related topics why they are conducting the search.
Google says it is launching the experiment to help it refine search results and improve projects such as Google FluTrends.
Throughout the duration of the experiment, random users will receive a pop-up box asking a yes or no question associated with their searches. For example, a search for ibuprofen might prompt the question: Did you search because you or someone you know is taking ibuprofen?
The company says data collected will not be used for advertising purposes.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/06/08/bibf0608.htm.