AOL Searcher Number 4417749 Exposed - It Could Have Been You!
Posted on Wed, 9 Aug 2006 02:01:17 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr
More Other Stuff News
The released AOL search log release scandal from the weekend is getting worse as people start to successfully put names behind the assigned numbers.
The NY Times reports about the searcher with number 4417749 who was successfully identified as 62 year old Thelma Arnold from Georgia. She agreed to talk to a reporter after he read to her the searches she did on AOL.
AOL researches released 3 month worth of search logs from the AOL search engine to the academic community. They should have taken a closer look at what content they are actually putting out there for everybody to see. The replacement of names with numbers was a ridiculous attempt to protect the privacies of AOL users.
This incident shows how much search engines now about us, especially if you have an account with the search engine company. They lure you in with personalization (e.g.: Google) or you have an account because the search is part of the online service you are using (e.g.: AOL).
AOL took down the log files already on the weekend (AOL also apologized for the mistake already), but of course the files (19 million search queries) have been copied before and are available on the net. Apparently other people have already been identified. Maybe you are next?
Posted on Wed, 9 Aug 2006 02:01:17 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr
I4U Gadget Models
I4U News Product Reviews
All I4U News Categories
Latest News
- Toshiba Satellite Pro A300D Notebook Review
2008-10-11 18:00:00
- Wii Remote Hack for WowWee Rovio Robot
2008-10-11 13:00:00
- Apple networked LCD HDTVs rumored
2008-10-11 12:56:09
100 Days until Thanksgiving Sale 2008 Countdown
August 19th marked the beginning of our 100 days Holiday Gift Guide 2008 countdown until the Thanksgiving Sales 2008 start. I4U News brings you a Holiday gift tip each day for the next 100 days. On Thanksgiving Day we will have 100 tech-gift tips in 10 categories online for you.
Explore the latest Holiday Tech Gift Tips now.
Subscribe to I4U Gadget Flyer
Stay in touch with our weekly round-up of the Top 10 Technology stories with our free newsletter.

More stories
Free Model Wallpapers