Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) is allowing its users to review the items that they searched for on the network. In a move deemed to be an overhaul of the revamped timeline profile that was launched last year, the social network will allow users to review their search history– pretty much the way a web browser allows you to review the websites you have visited.
The search history will be carefully knitted into the existing activity log, alongside account activity. Users will still have the ability to control what to include or exclude from the public eye, underscoring the ever-increasing importance attached to flexible privacy settings.
Through a blog post, Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) noted that just like any other post on your timeline, the search history could be easily deleted. “It is important to note that no one else can see your Activity Log, including your search activity,” noted the Facebook blog.
Facebook also noted that its plans to update users’ activity logs were well in play, citing that the updates would be conducted over the next few weeks. In a definitive step by step fashion, the blog guided users on where to find the search activity. “You can access this tool by going to the top of your profile, and going to Search from the activity sorter,” it says.
This new advancement builds on earlier speculation that rose after Mark Zuckerberg – renowned hoodie wearing Facebook CEO – hinted last week that Facebook may introduce a search engine to generate new revenue.
A hit at Google
Although it’s too early to tell, this advancement could be a disguised hit at Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG). This is especially so after Zuckerberg shared insights on the possibilities of launching a search engine.
The overt rivalry between Google and Facebook is nothing new. Google has even made significant inroads into Facebook’s playground, with its Google + social network. Already, Google + has managed to attract 100 million users in an impressive amount of time.
With this kind of competition, Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB)’s slant towards search history doesn’t pass by as a surprise. In fact, the ability to review search history could be a carefully cloaked test to see whether users welcome the idea of a search engine.
Notwithstanding, Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) has to tread carefully. Why is this so?
With Patent lawsuits becoming the staple in the tech industry, Facebook could very easily find itself in a legal melting pot, if it handles the whole search history angle carelessly.
