Actually, google stands up for privacy, most of the time.
The RIAA and MPAA have tried to get them to hand over bootleggers and ban searches, but google has stood firm that people have the right to open information. I actually like them as a company more for that. They are less likely to release your information.
If you go with the big companies, like Apple or Microsoft, as much as I like them, prepare to have your privacy infringed upon.
And, of course, it's best to hide behind a proxy, because, even if you aren't doing anything potentially wrong, it's best to do that, for your own privacy.