In a recent update, Google has retired its 'cached' links feature from its search results. This decision has drawn criticism from China researchers who relied on the feature to access old versions of webpages, particularly those from China's heavily censored internet. The cached links provided unintended transparency benefits, allowing researchers to access information that may later be removed. With the removal of this feature, it will be harder for China researchers to retrieve and preserve valuable online content.
Google's decision to retire the cached links feature has raised questions about the responsibility of archiving online content. The feature's removal places a larger burden on organizations like the Internet Archive, a non-profit organization that aims to preserve and track changes on webpages. However, the Internet Archive may not have the resources or capacity to fully compensate for the loss of Google's cached links. This highlights the need for a collective effort to ensure the preservation of online content, especially in the face of increasing censorship and restricted access to information.
It is important to note that Google's decision to retire the cached links feature is part of its cost-saving efforts. By deleting cache data, Google can free up resources and streamline its operations. However, this decision has unintended consequences for researchers and the accessibility of online information. The retirement of the cached links feature underscores the ongoing challenges of balancing convenience, cost-saving measures, and the preservation of valuable online content.
In another development, Google is testing the removal of links to California news sites in preparation for the possible passage of the California Journalism Preservation Act (CJPA). The CJPA, which would create a 'link tax' for connecting users in the state to news articles, was passed by the California Assembly in June 2023 and is currently being considered by the state's senate. Google and Facebook-owner Meta have pushed back against similar laws in other jurisdictions. Google's trial involves removing links to news websites that might be covered by the proposed law to measure the effect on the platform. This move comes as only 2 percent of Google search queries are news-related, with people increasingly turning to short-form video, newsletters, podcasts, and social media for news consumption. Additionally, Google has announced that it will halt investments in the California news 'ecosystem' until it is clear what regulators have planned. This decision reflects the uncertainty surrounding the potential impact of the CJPA on Google's operations and the broader news landscape in California [b4c18137].
Last year, California Assemblymember Buffy Wicks introduced the California Journalism Preservation Act (AB 886) to support local news. Google responded by throttling traffic to California news sites in an attempt to silence their voices. The fight over the California Journalism Preservation Act is a fight for local news' survival and democracy. Google's dominance has come at the expense of local news and other businesses. The CJPA requires Google to pay publishers and broadcasters for the use of their content, with 70% of the funds going towards journalism jobs. The bill has improved since passing the State Assembly, with language that bases payouts on the number of journalists employed and sets aside funds for small, local papers. This publication will not bow down to threats and will continue to advocate for legislation that revitalizes independent news media.
Google has announced a delay in the removal of third-party cookies from Chrome until 2025, providing more time for testing and experimenting in Google's Privacy Sandbox. Industry experts have varying opinions on the current state of play with the Privacy Sandbox and the response to the deprecation delay. Some believe that the industry has already made progress in finding alternatives to addressability and empowering the ethical application of data. Others suggest that companies should adopt a cautious approach and refrain from significant technical investments until there is greater clarity on the changes in auction, targeting, and attribution mechanisms within the Sandbox. The IAB's State of Data 2024 report shows that less than 60% of the industry is using or planning to use Privacy Sandbox this year. However, experts agree that even if the cookie switch-off is further delayed, it will likely only be for a short time. Privacy remains a top priority, but trust in Google's stewardship is not absolute. Companies are advised to start preparing for the privacy-first future and stay informed about the specifics of Google Privacy Sandbox [8c5f157f].
According to a recent article by Pune News, Google search history contains records of browsing activity, and deleting it can help protect privacy. The article provides a step-by-step guide on how to delete Google search history from a Google account, Google Chrome on computer, Google Chrome on mobile devices, and the Google app on Android and iOS. It also mentions the option to set up auto-delete for search history. By regularly clearing and managing search history, users can maintain better control over their online privacy and ensure greater security and confidentiality in their online activities [02eceb86].