To address concerns over the privacy of users' search histories, Google has announced a significant change to how long it will store identifiable information, reports the New York Times.

Whereas before Google indefinitely stored information that tied searches to specific computers, essentially identifying the searcher, it will now make that data anonymous after 18-24 months. Privacy advocates are split over whether this represents progress or simply a new status quo.

Some say the move shows forward thinking about the privacy of search behavior and so applauded the time limit. Others opine that 18-24 months is still a very long time to store any sort of identifiable data, and that because of Google's dominance in the search market it should lead the way in a more dramatic manner.

Google again said it does not use personal data anywhere outside of the company and does not sell it to anyone or share it - unless it is served with a subpoena. Even then, Google was the only major search firm to challenge a recent Justice Department subpoena for just such information.