Google adds new local search feature

Internet giant Google has introduced a new feature to its main web search service, allowing users to filter results based on locations.

In a blog post, the company said it was adding the feature to ensure users find results easier to access based on their current whereabouts.

“Starting today, we’ve added the ability to refine your searches with the ‘Nearby’ tool in the Search Options panel,” it said.

“One of the really helpful things about this tool is that it works geographically – not just with keywords – so you don’t have to worry about adding ‘Minneapolis’ to your query and missing web pages that only say ‘St. Paul’ or ‘Twin Cities.'”

However, the addition has sparked some controversy with some privacy lobbyists claiming it could give the internet giant access to fairly private data. Centre for Democracy and Technology general counsel John Morris told a Congressional hearing location-based searches could hold some dangers.

These services, he said, “can reveal visits to potentially sensitive destinations, like medical clinics, courts, political rallies, and union meetings. The ubiquity of location information has also increased the risks of stalking and domestic violence as perpetrators are able to use (or abuse) location-based services to gain access to location information about their victims.”