Google Search Study Hints at 'Shady Truth' of Bitcoin Users
Researchers at the University of Kentucky have published a new paper examining the characteristics of US bitcoin users based on an analysis of Google search data. The paper, titled "Characteristics of Bitcoin Users: An Analysis of Google Search Data", resulted in some rather controversial conclusions about the types of people that appear to be using the digital currency. However, even the researchers admit little is known about the average bitcoin user due to the lack of systematic data collection and blockchain pseudo-anonymity. Dr Aaron Yelowitz and Matthew Wilson, who carried out the....
Related News
Internet search giant Google has updated its search engine to automatically display bitcoin prices when users enter certain queries. The news comes roughly one month after Google Finance partnered with Coinbase to launch abitcoin price tracker that enabled BTC-to-fiat price conversions across a wide range of global currencies. A representative from Google confirmed the update to CoinDesk, noting that the tool works on Google Search's smartphone app as well. The spokesperson said: "You can also ask Google to do conversions - if you have the Google Search app on your smartphone, for example,....
In a study conducted based on online searches, researchers concluded that bitcoin users are either tech enthusiasts or criminals. The data revealed that there was a strong correlation between computer programmers and bitcoin users, as well as criminal activity and bitcoin users. The study was conducted by Aaron Yelowitz and Matthew Wilson of the Department of Economics in the University of Kentucky. The study also concluded that Libertarians and investment fields are not necessarily correlated to bitcoin usage or interest. Since bitcoin can’t actually be linked to counterparties due to the....
Brave hopes users will want to search the web without being tracked. Crypto-powered web browser Brave has branched out into the world of search with a new privacy-protecting beta search engine.The platform aims to take on the likes of Google, which harvests personal data and browsing habits while serving up targeted ads and tailored search results. But it faces an uphill battle against the tech giant which accounts for more than 90% of the market.In an announcement on June 22, Brave stated that it had launched Brave Search beta built into its browser, offering users “the first independent....
How many times have you noticed advertisements relevant to your recent search on your favourite search engine show up on your browser? I guess the answer will be "every time". That shouldn't come as a surprise as search engines like Google, Bing, Yahoo etc. track user's location and browsing data to show relevant advertisements. Now that they have your data, what stops them from using that data for purposes other than advertising? Nothing (except for few privacy laws)! It is no doubt that the search engine giant has enough data available to profile everyone depending upon their interests....
Google Now, Google's mobile on-demand information service, has added support for bitcoin services provider Coinbase. The news comes amid a service update in which it introduced new 'cards' that aim to deliver timely information to Android phone users while removing their need to search for it directly. The launch included 40 cards, each based on a company or popular Internet service such as Airbnb, Pandora and Coinbase. According to the company, Coinbase's card will specifically notify Google Now users when there are fluctuations in the price of bitcoin, while Airbnb's will suggest travel....