18.9.67.3 Ensure 'Set what information is shared in Search' is set to 'Enabled: Anonymous info' - Enabled: Anonymous info

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Information

Various levels of information can be shared with Bing in Search, to include user information and location. Configuring this setting prevents users from selecting the level of information shared and enables the most restrictive selection.

The recommended state for this setting is: Enabled: Anonymous info.

Rationale:

Limiting the search information shared with Microsoft Bing enhances privacy and security.

Impact:

Usage information from Search is shared with Microsoft Bing, but search history, Microsoft account information and specific location information will not be shared with Microsoft Bing. This setting may impact the end user search experience and results when using Microsoft Bing.

Solution

To establish the recommended configuration via GP, set the following UI path to Enabled: Anonymous info:

Computer Configuration\Policies\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Search\Set what information is shared in Search

Note: This Group Policy path may not exist by default. It is provided by the Group Policy template Search.admx/adml that is included with the Microsoft Windows 8.1 & Server 2012 R2 Administrative Templates (or newer).

Default Value:

Disabled. (Users can choose what information is shared in Search.)

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/3897