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Search engine providers need to be more transparent about how they utilise users’ data, a government initiative has said.

Get Safe Online, a joint initiative between the government and the Serious Organised Crime Agency, has said internet users should make a decision as to whether to remain with providers who use private information for things such as targeted advertising.

A report released this month by the European Union stated that search engines should not hold on to personal data for a period of more than six months. Google and Yahoo! currently carry a policy of rendering all users’ data anonymous after 18 months.

Managing director of Get Safe Online Tony Neate said: “It’s not always exactly transparent why they [search engine providers] need it [user data] so I’d like to see a bit more clarity in relation to the information that they hold and why.”

A June 2007 report by Privacy International said that Google demonstrated an “aggressive use of invasive or potentially invasive technologies”.

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Researchers have developed a new form of biometric identification that could phase out the use of passwords, pin numbers and credit card numbers.

Scientists at the University of Houston have developed facial recognition software that recreates faces in three dimensions, providing a completely unique identifier.

The URxD application could be used to help people obtain access to secure facilities and authorise credit card transactions, according to the researchers, led by Professor Ioannis Kakadiaris.

‘Pins and passwords are not only inconvenient to memorise, but also are impractical to safeguard,’ he commented, adding: ‘The solution is to be able to tie your private information to your person in a way that cannot be compromised.’

A recent report by research firm Global Industry Analysts suggested that the worldwide market for electronic access systems, including biometric applications, will grow to $6.1 billion (£3 billion) in the next three years.

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Search engine providers need to be more transparent about how they utilise users’ data, a government initiative has said.

Get Safe Online, a joint initiative between the government and the Serious Organised Crime Agency, has said internet users should make a decision as to whether to remain with providers who use private information for things such as targeted advertising.

A report released this month by the European Union stated that search engines should not hold on to personal data for a period of more than six months. Google and Yahoo! currently carry a policy of rendering all users’ data anonymous after 18 months.

Managing director of Get Safe Online Tony Neate said: “It’s not always exactly transparent why they [search engine providers] need it [user data] so I’d like to see a bit more clarity in relation to the information that they hold and why.”

A June 2007 report by Privacy International said that Google demonstrated an “aggressive use of invasive or potentially invasive technologies”.

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