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Could it be to hide the query in the referrer? Although I think all clicks go through Google servers first.

• josteink 10y ago
  Correct. The only service which can provide you with google queries is google analytics. So if you want the data, you are forced to help spread the google drag net across the internet.
  • iamchrisle 10y ago
    No. Keywords do not appear in Google Analytics since search switched to HTTPS. The query strings are dropped going from HTTPS to HTTP. Keywords will show up as "(not provided)"(Disclaimer: I work at Google but I'm not on the search team. I do use Google Analytics.)
    • spullara 10y ago
      They drop them from https to https using this method as well. In this case, what is good for the user is amazing for Google. They are the only ones that get access to the query stream.
    • Gurrewe 10y ago
      Is there any technical reason for this? Because as far as I know the keywords still appear in Webmaster Tools.
• blowski 10y ago
  Aren't all Google search pages now in HTTPS? I'd they are, then they drop the query in the referrer.