Definition
Not Provided (also known as "Not Set") is a term that refers to the status of search engine queries that a website visitor makes. When a website visitor makes a query via a Search Engine accesses a website, the search engine log normally delivers the user's search query to the website owner. However, if the user specifies the search query parameter "not provided", the search query parameter is not transmitted to the website owner.
Advantages
Not Provided provides users with additional anonymity and privacy. Since the search query is not transmitted, those who have access to the website can no longer see what the user searched for. This is a significant advantage for users who do not want their query details to be made public.
Disadvantages
Not Provided can make it difficult for website owners to examine the search queries that users use to find their website. Since the search query is not transmitted to the website owner, they cannot analyze the search queries to understand what users are searching for.
Use cases
Not Provided is typically used by search engines like Google to protect website visitors from disclosing their search queries. It is also used by other web services such as social media platforms and email providers to provide more privacy to users.
2 detailed examples
Example 1: A user has searched for a specific product via Google. To protect their data, the user has set the search parameter "Not Provided" is specified. In this case, the user's search query is not transmitted to the website owner.
Example 2: A user wants to send an email to a friend. If the email platform supports it, the user can use the search parameter "Not Provided" to protect his email address from the public.
Conclusion
Not Provided is a useful tool that provides users with additional anonymity and privacy. It is used by search engines and other web services to provide more privacy to users. However, it can be difficult for website owners to investigate search queries because no information is submitted.
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