The report behind the phrase “Related searches based on your browsing” describes a Google interface observation, not a confirmed Bing test. It also leaves open whether browsing history actually powered the suggestions. Microsoft documents Bing related suggestions and Edge personalization separately, but that documentation does not confirm Bing tested this exact feature.
What the reported search feature was—and wasn’t
Search Engine Roundtable reported on July 30, 2026, that a search box labeled “Related searches based on your browsing” had been observed in Google Search. A later observation of the wording in sponsored results was attributed to advertising professional Anthony Higman and dated September 9, 2026. Neither observation establishes a Bing test. Search Engine Roundtable’s July report and its later sponsored-results observation concern Google.
The July report said it was unclear whether browsing history powered the suggestions or whether the label had simply changed. That uncertainty is the reporter’s characterization, not a company confirmation. The reports do not establish that Google used Chrome browsing history, nor do they give an experiment’s sample size, geographic reach, duration, or measured effect.
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What Microsoft says about Bing suggestions
Microsoft describes Bing related suggestions as topics a person might want to explore next to search results. The suggestions are generated algorithmically using the popularity of related searches and other relevance signals, including search history, trends, location, and language. This general product description does not verify a browsing-history signal in the specific reported Google interface, or an identical Bing test. Microsoft’s explanation of Bing search history describes its documented approach.
Microsoft’s product manager Martin Stoddart described Bing Related Searches as “a list of other related or exploratory searches you might want to try, based on the query itself.” That statement provides historical product context; it is not evidence of the reported label or a current experiment. Stoddart’s 2009 explanation also discussed the Explore Pane, which should not be mistaken for a description of today’s interface.
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How Edge browsing activity and privacy settings fit in
Microsoft says Edge browsing activity may be collected and used to personalize advertising, search results, shopping recommendations, and other Microsoft experiences if the user permits that collection. InPrivate and Guest browsing are excluded from this collection. These are Microsoft’s general statements about Edge personalization, not confirmation that a particular Bing related-search feature uses browsing activity. Microsoft’s privacy statement explains the collection and use described for Edge.
Turn off browsing-activity personalization
Edge users can turn off the setting that allows Microsoft to save browsing activity for personalization. Microsoft also offers separate controls for ad interests. Turning off personalized ads alone does not disable the use of Edge browsing activity to personalize search results and other Microsoft experiences; the browsing-activity setting is distinct. Microsoft’s privacy statement provides the applicable account and browser controls, which can change over time.
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Use InPrivate or Guest for excluded browsing
Microsoft says browsing in InPrivate or Guest mode is excluded from the Edge browsing-activity collection described for personalization. This scope should not be expanded into a claim that all data collection by Microsoft or other services stops in those modes.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What Microsoft says about ads
Microsoft says Bing advertisements are labeled “Ads,” are provided by Microsoft Advertising, and are primarily displayed based on search queries. This is a general description of Bing advertising; it cannot establish how the separate Google observation worked or whether any similar Bing experiment exists. Microsoft Advertising’s privacy statement describes its advertising practices.
Microsoft’s August 2024 EU Digital Services Act assessment says features may be tested, modified, removed, improved, or adjusted. That broad statement allows for product experimentation in general, but does not identify this exact label as a Bing test. Microsoft’s DSA risk assessment is not confirmation of the reported feature.
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What can be concluded about Bing
- The located reports of “Related searches based on your browsing,” including the sponsored-results observation, identify Google rather than Bing.
- Microsoft documents algorithmic Bing related suggestions and says Edge browsing activity can be used for personalization with permission, but neither fact confirms this exact Bing test.
- No direct Microsoft announcement or first-party screenshot in the available material confirms an identical Bing experiment. Its possible existence, rollout scope, duration, and effect are not established.
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