Google's continuously raked over the coals regarding the massive amounts of PII (personally identifiable information) it collects, what it does with it, how long it retains that data and what the company might do with it if its merger with DoubleClick goes ahead. That's all been ratcheted up to fever pitch over the past few weeks, with two new privacy headlines: complaints being voiced about Google's new Street View service's photographs getting too close for comfort and Privacy International's having flunked Google on its privacy policies and procedures in a report published June 9.
The fury boils down to one question: whether or not it's OK for Google to own us. Make no mistake, Google owns you. The ways in which it owns you are laid out in a complaint filed by EPIC (Electronic Privacy Information Center) and other privacy groups with the Federal Trade Commission over Google's proposed merger with targeted advertising company DoubleClick.
View: The full story
News source: eWeek
The fury boils down to one question: whether or not it's OK for Google to own us. Make no mistake, Google owns you. The ways in which it owns you are laid out in a complaint filed by EPIC (Electronic Privacy Information Center) and other privacy groups with the Federal Trade Commission over Google's proposed merger with targeted advertising company DoubleClick.
View: The full story News source: eWeek
It all comes down to personal choice. I don't agree with MS business practice behavior so when there is an alternative tool that accomplishes the same job, I use it. Very simple.
It all comes down to personal choice. I don't agree with MS business practice behavior so when there is an alternative tool that accomplishes the same job, I use it. Very simple.
I could not have said it better myself.
It all comes down to personal choice. I don't agree with MS business practice behavior so when there is an alternative tool that accomplishes the same job, I use it. Very simple.
Incorrect. Because Google is buying Doubleclick, and they run Adsense, they can profile you with or without your permission. This should be illegal.
As for the article: there's a huge assumption there that we, the mere mortal ones, use all of these services and tools provided by Google. I, for one, use only the mail and the search. I have no need for YouTube, for example, as I have an attention span that can last longer than twenty seconds.
They are welcome to collate my, what must be to the outside viewer, quite mundane search terms, and hey, if they want my spam and have more use for it than I, they are welcome to that too.
Any idiot who sends important email unencrypted, let alone through Google Mail, should need a license to exist anyway. That is my view, FWIW (for what it's worth).
Last edited by SniperX on 18 Jun 2007 - 13:50
How is it lazy? Or irritating for that matter? This is one of the very basics of writing essays et al. and is done for the benefit of the reader. After doing a quick Google (
Somebody needs to switch to decaf.
Expanding the acronym during first use has been journalistic style (AP Style) for decades. Do a little checking and calm down.
Lazy? How?
Wow - hyperbole much, eWeek? And by calling this news, Neowin as well...
If they did, I apologize in advance for my ignorance and my ability to skim over absolute bullsh*t gossip, and would appreciate it if someone would copy and paste the explanation.
And here's a short quote:
The company's chief executive, Eric Schmidt, said during a visit to Britain this week: "The goal is to enable Google users to be able to ask the question such as 'What shall I do tomorrow?' and 'What job shall I take?' "
Speaking at a conference organised by Google, he said : "We are very early in the total information we have within Google. The algorithms [software] will get better and we will get better at personalisation."
Google's declaration of intent was publicised at the same time it emerged that the company had also invested £2 million ($5.45 million) in a human genetics firm called 23andMe. The combination of genetic and internet profiling could prove a powerful tool in the battle for greater understanding of the behaviour of an online service user.
If that's not a bad thing, I don't know what is. And if they get Doubleclick, you wont even need to use their services for them to do it.
What a big pile of stinking crap. WTFC? I don't and neither should any of us. Damn, I'll even send my search results from other search engines to Google if it makes my searching experience better.
Is it ok that Google owns me? Well, I guess if I'm going to be owned by anyone, I'd rather it be Google than Microsoft, Sony, or AT&T. Google hasn't done anything yet that makes me feel uncomfortable. Oh no! They have my search data. That one is simple. Don't search for PII dummy.
Could be worse... you could be pwned by the RIAA/MPAA.
They track search results to tweak and improve their own system. It's not their fault there are stupid users out there.
first off... echelon.. or the streets of london
both of which are government set up to listen to people WITHOUT choice, to build database of statistical information.
now...
google has services that are COMPLETLY free to the end user.
the user can use the internet without using google
by using google, the user inputs as little or as much personal information as they wish
just like the ENTIRE internet, google is no different, only put in information, you have NO problem being tracked... 99% of the typical users internet traffic is unencrypted.. you can sniff the local router, and pick up IM chats, e-mails, etc etc...
google tells you in full honesty they do it, unlike most other companies
FURTHER
google works even if you put minimal to no personal information into it
isnt that beautiful comparied to some companies that make you tell them where you live, your phone number etc etc, just to sign up for something that doesnt really require that information?
be happy its free....
and try and think of the worst case senario.. they are trying to take your identity? or your money? if your worried, WHY are you giving out that information?
and if they can get that information without you giving it, then they can do it whether you use there stuff or not, so you might as well stop worrying :p
everyone get bent.. this is a compnany offering soo many free products, all they ask is for statistics!!! :p
Remember, nothing on the Internet is truly free.
Last edited by BigBoy on 18 Jun 2007 - 21:30
http://www.centernetworks.com/big-brother-...-know-about-you
Of course, this is ultimately your decision. And while people that read this site might know how to block Google cookies and protect their privacy a bit better, an average Joe that buys a Dell and gets it preloaded with Google apps might not.
That is what you and I might do. That is not what majority of users will do.
That is what you and I might do. That is not what majority of users will do.
Exactly. Need to keep in perspective that WE are not the average user.
Last edited by black_death on 18 Jun 2007 - 20:19
It's funny. The only people with legitimate concerns are the other companies that Google is threatening. The vast majority of Google's "customers" (I guess "consumers" would be a better term to use) have absolutely no problem with the company. It's all these other companies and organizations who feel threatened that are going about trying to stir up the hornet's nest over nothing.
I mean, oh no! Google keeps track of your search queries so that it can improve it's services, including providing you with ads you may be interested in instead of just flooding you with random ones! THE HORROR!
Google offers FREE -- and terrific -- services to its customers. It neither limits your options, tries to stop other companies from competing, nor does anything underhanded whatsoever. You're free to use other services (of which they are -tons- of viable options to choose from, unlike Microsoft Windows versus other operating systems), but people continuing Google's FREE services because they're not only free, but top notch.
Google has the type of business models more companies should try to emulate: Offering their customers some of the best services available without requiring anything from them whatsoever, and instead charge those who wish to advertise on their services. Well, with the exception of "allowing" them to take note of what choices you pick so that they can improve their services for you.
The vast few individuals who are going on about how horrible this is are just... well, funny. They're a prime example of the type of people who can't think for themselves and just embrace the Flavor of the Week panic attack that the spin doctors throw out.
Until such time Google does something -genuinely- underhanded or threatening, or the quality of their services dwindle, I'm going to be a staunch supporter of them. I just wish there were more companies of their ilk out there.
The fact that companies like Microsoft -- truely evil companies that genuinely try to thwart other companies and squelch competition -- are terrified of Google is a GOOD THING.
Anyway, you have your opinion, I have mine. That is cool. But please do not accuse us, that are concerned about the subject, of "can't think for themselves". One would say it is exactly the opposite, as vast majority of Google users definitely do not think for themselves on this subject.
The issue here is not necessarily Google and them abusing the information (although that is a possibility too). Is it so far to think that a government can legislate their way into this and tap the information and we never find out? Or another corporation buys its way into it? Not possible? Right... that is because both corporations and governments are well known by having the average person's best interest in mind, right?
Finally - I fully agree with this:
That is exactly the point. When there are 20 different players, then concerns are smaller. When there is one dominant player, concerns rise as there are multiple sources of information feeding into the same place rather than being fractured between 20 sources controlled by independent bodies.
Exactly what uber secretive privacy information are you giving up? Do you really think any of the companies and organizations bitching and moaning about Google don't collect information either? That Microsoft has no idea how many people purchase their products, which products they use the most, and throw your registration information and whatever else straight into the trash can?
Please leave your tinfoil hat at the door.
If there was some uber secret government conspiracy to collect all your search queries and other "private" information, then it wouldn't matter if it was one company they were ordering to give over that information or twenty. They'd still get it, and then come to your house, bust down your door, and do vile and un-Constitutional things to you all because you choose to look up "apples" instead of "oranges" on RandomSearchEngine.com. <insert rolling eyes here>
Is there any doubt as to whether or not Google offers a quality product? That they tailor their services as best they can to your personal needs and desires? How the hell do you expect them to do so if they don't collect information on your habits and preferences? And so what if they do collect that information for themselves? If you insist on wearing your tinfoil hats and living your life in a bomb shelter you built under your shed, fine, do so and use a proxy server any time you do anything anywhere on the "evil" internet.
But to try to convince yourself -- let alone anyone else with half a wit -- that Google is some evil entity trying to steal your personal information and summon demons and other hellspawns with it, or whatever silly notions you have, is ridiculous.
Until the day that they -do- perform some heinous and unforgivable act, it's not only unfair but ignorant to accuse them of the potential to do so. The United States, Canada, France, and many other countries have a law that basically states "innocent until proven guilty." That's not just a law, but a sound, civilized philosophical practice. One that's apparently counter to you and everyone else who's accusing Google of some grand conspiracy to destroy all things good in the world.
Ah, so you're one of those pea-minded individuals who believe that success should be penalized. That's all you had to say. That's alllll you had to say.
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