New Search Engine Seeks Out... You

A new search engine launched today won't help you find a bargain on a new microwave or the capital of Burma, but rather other human beings. Spock.com bills itself as "the online leader in personal search," and boasts over 100 million individuals already indexed. Spock combs social networking sites for public information and then ties the info to a name.

Although the idea of your identity being indexed unbeknownst to you might be unnerving to some, Spock's co-founder assured users that searchable profiles "will go through a strict process based on quality insurance [sic]." Those who would rather not have Spock compile their identities based on scavenged MySpace profiles may opt to maintain their own listings instead. (More social networking stories.)