New Google privacy changes

[john_v]

Google tracks consumers’ online activities across products, and users can’t opt out - The Washington Post

I'm surprised this hasn't been posted here yet (or if it was, I missed it.) What do you think? Is it an issue for you?

I'm one of those people that used to say, "I've got nothing to hide, it doesn't bother me". I still don't have anything to hide, but lately I'm starting to become more concerned with the lack of privacy. Again, I'm not a subversive, I'm not running drugs, but if Google knows everything about me, what's to stop them from sharing that with the government? It's been documented that they've complied with government demands for user data. Where does that lead?

Call me paranoid (which I'm not), flame away and call me a tin-hatter, whatever. It really doesn't bother me. I'm just curious if these changes to their privacy policy bother anyone, or if, to the contrary, you like the changes going forward to give you a better "seamless" experience?

(Disclaimer: I have used android, gmail, chrome, and blogger - in other words, I have a google account; will I be changing some of those? Possibly...already switched back to my 'berry.)

[trelawrence]

I don't think you are paranoid; this stuff needs to be talked about.

I have resigned myself to it. I don't like it, but I am of the opinion that all corporations do this to varying degrees.

I do like the seamless nature. We well see.

Mobile post via Tapatalk

[howarmat]

i was under the impression they did this already. Doesnt bother me really.

[louprotecteur]

What I would like to understand is what is the differnce between a spyware and what these companies are doing. Seriously this is getting ridiculus. I even saw malls that were scanning everyone's smartphone in the building to see where you were going and how often you were going there... I don't support these either, and I turn off my smartphone as soon as I get in these places. The wrost issue is that no one seems to care about it. I have lots of examples where the concept of "privacy" does not exist anymore. Before someone tells me I'm paranoid, I just want to let you know that my job is in marketing research...

[rmjones101]

Originally Posted by louprotecteur

What I would like to understand is what is the differnce between a spyware and what these companies are doing.

The difference is that Google keeps that information to themselves to better serve their customers, whereas spyware takes the information and distributes it to anyone with money to pay.

Google uses the information internally and doesn't release it. For example, if you've been viewing videos on youtube about Lexus vehicles and have been searching for information about purchasing a Lexus, when Google serves an ad to you in any of your Google products, it'll make it a point to make Lexus a higher priority in deciding who's ad to send you. As well they'll push ads to you more relevant to your geographical location. What they don't do (and many people mistakenly believe they do) is contact Lexus and offer to sell them your information.

It's always been this way with Google. And while the article posted above may not make it apparent, the changes coming soon with Google isn't anything different other than they're expanding the capability to work with all their products and not just Search and Ad Serving. They'll now also be able to recommend videos on Youtube, pointing out noteworthy blogs in Blogger, etc...

[Karmaloop]

Originally Posted by howarmat

i was under the impression they did this already. Doesnt bother me really.

Same. If they want to use my information to help serve better ads, I don't really care.

[louprotecteur]

@ RMJones101 - I still don't see the difference in the end... except that the data gathered is used by themselves instead of a 3rd party and even in these case, we have access to a certain portions of that data when it's time to decide where we put adds.

I never delt as a corporate client with google directly, but from other media supplyer, it's just crazy what they can retreive, and that goes as specific as on what color a named household is more likely to buy a pair of shorts for the first son of the familly between June 5th and July 7th on a rany day. People think they are smart with their smart tv... I can tell you that it's just a better way for us to put exactly the right add, for the right product, at the right time and right in front of you.

I will stop there as I still want a job in the next few months, but please everyone, watch out where you put personal information.

[d-backs1]

It doesn't bother me really. It is the internet it isn't like the info isn't already out there anyway.

[ba_hamilton]

I have no problems with it. I don't begrudge Google making a buck. Look at all the great apps and services they provide us for free. It's been years since I've clicked on an ad but if they can shoot me some interesting ads to look at I have no problem with that. I still won't click on them.

[Rickroller]

Doesn't bother me in the least. From my understanding..nothing is really changing other than the fact Google is trying to streamline some of their processes. It's not like if I do a Google search of Lexus..I all of a sudden start getting spam emailed from a bunch of local Lexus dealerships.

What does it matter what Google knows about me in the big scheme of things? It's not like the government doesn't already know most everything anyway, or that I'm going to go somewhere and see Google..pointing and laughing at me for who I have in my Contacts, or what I like to search for.

Google is kind of like going into a confession booth. It's all confidential, and the priest isn't going to reveal your deepest, darkest things with anyone.

[johnly]

There is nothing you can do but read it, accept it and use google, or if it isn't congruent with your liking, there are alternatives like MS and Yahoo that are plenty capable.

[naviwilliams]

I'm sure ALL the various email carriers do something similar. But, I do like iCloud (me.com) for not showing ads and the likes while I'm reading my email...

[MACKSnare519]

Youtube already made video suggestions based on what I have already viewed. That's a great feature, IMO.

Google search already catered my searches in some degree based on my location. That's fine with me, as well.

Now they're doing it across all of their sites/services? Sounds like a win. As long as my info( that they already have been tracking since day 1), stays between myself and Google.

They're trying to make the Google experience all inclusive, where all of their products have a connection.

Also, if this is really all about catering the best ads to people, that's cool, too. I hardly ever pay attention to the ads, let alone purposely click them.

Sent from Motorola ATRIX 2 using Tapatalk

[naviwilliams]

I initially bought a Google Apps domain\account just so I wouldn't see ads on Google. I simply can't stand ads, period...

[johnly]

Originally Posted by naviwilliams

I'm sure ALL the various email carriers do something similar. But, I do like iCloud (me.com) for not showing ads and the likes while I'm reading my email...

I agree, I will happily use iCloud rather than a spammed up info collector. Paying is not a bad thing. Besides, google has millions of free smartphones on every network....google hooks google hooks