Google’s business model is based on delivering relevant search results and, increasingly, relevant ads to those who use its products. In order to do so, Google needs to know a user’s search history since search history and web site navigation offer important data about a user’s interests.

As many people know, web sites use files known as “cookies” to track user movements/logins as they traverse the web. But web browsers such as Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, Apple’s Safari and others provide privacy controls that allow users to turn cookies on or off.