Google is changing its data-retention practices to make it harder to identify the specific computers used in searches.

Google's servers log information every time someone conducts a web search, keeping data such as the keywords used, the internet protocol address or unique number assigned to that person's computer, and information from web cookies, which are small bits of data exchanged between a server and a web browser each time the browser accesses the server. Cookies are used to authenticate the user and maintain information such as the user's site preferences.

Full story: ZDNet.co.uk