On November 11, 2008 Google released a new feature called Google Flu Trends.  According to the Google Flu Trends site "Google Flu Trends uses aggregate Google search data to estimate flu activity in your state up to two weeks faster than traditional systems."  Google Trends, released over two years ago, was the start of publicizing aggregate user search data, and Google Flu Trends has taken this application a step further.

There is an obvious benefit to this system, helping people prepare for flu outbreaks and informing the CDC on where they need to focus response and preventative measures.  There are, however, privacy concerns surrounding this new tool.

EPIC & PPR's REQUEST:

On November 12, 2008 the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) and Patient Privacy Rights (PPR) wrote a letter to Google CEO Dr. Eric Schmidt regarding these privacy concerns. 

"In the aggregate, the data reveals useful trends and should be available for appropriate uses.  But if disclosed and linked to a particular user, there could be adverse consequences for education, employment, insurance, and even travel.  The disclosure of such information could also have a chilling effect on Internet users who may be reluctant to seek out important medical information online if they are concerned that their search histories will be revealed to others... If Google has found a way to ensure that aggregate data cannot be reidentified, it should publish its results."  Read the full letter here.

GOOGLE'S RESPONSE:

Click here to read the response received from Google thus far.

ARTICLES AND OPINIONS ON GOOGLE FLU TRENDS: