Ask, Google, Microsoft, Yahoo!: Major search engines have started to recognize the importance of limiting data-retention periods for all data. Ask developed the AskEraser, allowing users to conduct online searches without the company logging any information. Microsoft deletes the full IP address, cookies, and any other identifiable user information from its logs after 18 months. Yahoo! is now planning to anonymize all search records after three months. Google now engages in a very limited form of log anonymization after nine months for those using the search engine and not logged into a Google account. After 18 months, the company deletes a portion of the stored IP address and de-identifies the cookie information stored in its logfiles.

Microsoft: Companies are starting to realize the benefits of advocating for stronger legal privacy protections for their users. In 2010 Microsoft called for congressional action to strengthen privacy protection for information stored with cloud computing providers. It also requested greater transparency for consumers. Microsoft’s own research showed that more than 90 percent of its target audience is concerned about the privacy and security consequences of using cloud computing [doc], and the company recognizes that bolstering legal protections for cloud computing data will not only protect users but boost the adoption and use of cloud services.