AOL Search encodes queries?

[bubbles19518]

Checking my stats today, one of my refers came from AOL Search for:

84592e8e867cbe7364d8cf9084f142dbc394943684fcac3160 b0a97bdc631e0b96cae1a614e7b5d6

After clicking the link I realized it de codes to:

scroll friends & comments generator

What exactly is the benefit of encoding a search query?

[minnseoelite]

idk, i have never used AOL i hate it with a passion. I dont see why they would encode anything though its not like they deliver any decent amount of traffic.

[geg2]

AOL accidentally released search query data for 500,000 users sometime last year. The data not only had information about what queries were made but also an id number to denote a specific AOL user, as well as other information like which SERP position was clicked .

Perhaps the encryption may contain some of that data. Or perhaps the encryption is to ensure privacy of searches for individuals.

[bubbles19518]

Its funny cause they display google search results I think. I figured it had some privacy value too, but I don't think it does since you can spit it back into the "decode url", and it gives you the query.

I had heard of the AOL Search DB, http://www.aolsearchdatabase.com/. Lots of fun :)