This article was published on June 15, 2015

Bing will soon encrypt your search queries by default


Bing will soon encrypt your search queries by default

If you’re using Bing to search the Web, your queries will soon be encrypted by default.

The option to encrypt your questions to Bing has been available for about 18 months, but Microsoft will make it standard starting “this Summer.”

In an attempt to satisfy everyone involved, Microsoft will still use a referrer string “so that marketers and webmasters will be able to identify traffic as coming from Bing,” but will not include your query terms.

Webmasters can access limited query term data, but Microsoft says your information will never be at risk.

Microsoft admits the change may affect marketers and advertising inititatives, but considers “a more secure search experience” for users more important.

The 💜 of EU tech

The latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!

Bing Moving to Encrypt Search Traffic by Default [Microsoft]

Read next: Bing speeds up mobile image search with smart suggestions to minimize typing

Get the TNW newsletter

Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.

Also tagged with