*If Google's terms of use say you cannot share their search results with anyone ...

MarkMc · on Feb 4, 2011

That is exactly what I mean.

IF Google say you cannot share their data with anyone else, then you are not legally allowed to share the answer with your Dad.

IF Google say you must send a 'thank you' email to them after each query, you are legally obliged to do that.

IF Google say you cannot share their data in an automatic, 'clickstream' fashion, then you cannot legally use Microsoft's toolbar. And if you break that agreement, Microsoft cannot legally use the clickstream data you send it.

kenjackson · on Feb 4, 2011

I think Google would require a clickthrough TOS to enforce this. AFAIK Google has no TOS listed on its page, but they do have a copyright notice. And a link would not be sufficient.

But yes, if they did a clickthrough TOS then they could enforce that. Of course the day Google adds a clickthrough TOS there will be some serious scrutinizing.

stanleydrew · on Feb 4, 2011

He means something else. Sending the link is not the same as sending the series of clicks and inputs required to get to that link in Google.

Now it may be the case that sending clickstream data on Google to Microsoft is perfectly fine, but it's not exactly clear to me.