TODAY: GOOGLE 'UNIFIED PRIVACY' (NO PRIVACY) IN EFFECT

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Five ways Google's unified privacy policy affects you
by Sharon Vaknin March 1, 2012 9:55 AM PST

Google implemented a new privacy policy on March 1. Here's the 'so what?' and what the search giant's changes mean for you.

YouTube is one of 60 services that will fall under Google's unified privacy policy.

Today, Google's unified privacy policy goes live, allowing the search Giant to combine and manipulate data from its 60 free services, something it could not do under its previous policies.

Coverage of the policy change has been abundant during the last few weeks leading up to the change, though Google has made no secret of its intentions--pop-ups alerting users of the transition can be seen on the home pages of all its services.

But despite the warnings, you might still be wondering how, exactly, the change will affect you. Is it really as scary as media are warning? Here's what you need to know:

1. Google isn't collecting more information, just using it differently.
The big misconception here is that Google will suddenly gain access to a host of information it didn't have before. That's incorrect. The reality is that the search giant has always collected your usage data for all of its services like Google+, Gmail, Youtube, and so on; however, until now, it has stored that data separately.

Today, Google is combining the data it has collected to create a more robust profile about you. The company is touting it as a positive change that will give you a better overall Google experience and make its privacy policy easier to understand.

For example, if you e-mail your mother to tell her about the new puppies you adopted, the suggested videos you see the next time you visit YouTube may be about cute puppies. Previously, Google could not manipulate data in this manner.

2. You'll be tracked. No matter what.
Building up to today, we and many other tech experts have suggested you clear your Google Web History (here's how). It's clear now that although this is a good move (you should do it), it won't stop Google from collecting your data. By clearing and stopping the official tracking of your Web activity, you only prevent Google from personalizing your experience.

But let's be clear: this does not stop Google from tracking your Web activity. Meaning, your searches will still be followed and stored on Google's servers for "internal use." The information could still be used to build that profile about you and, ultimately, sell it to advertisers who will serve ads specifically tailored to your interests.

3. Is it really a big deal? Yes and no.
While privacy experts are concerned, others exclaim, "So what??" Both reactions are valid.

On the one hand, this isn't a big deal--Google is collecting the same information it always has, but now it's being used to improve the users' experience. One of the more awesome examples is that, based your location and traffic in your area, Google could warn you that you'll be late to the appointment you logged in Google Calendar. Pretty neat.

And, so what if the data will be used for advertisements? That's nothing new. The only difference is that the advertisements will be more true to your interests. There's no such thing as a free lunch, people. Google has to make money from advertisements so they might as well be accurate.
Enough with devil's advocate.

On the other hand, privacy experts and lawmakers are up in arms about the policy. As New York Times Senior Editor Julia Angwin explains, the United States currently has very few laws governing the collection, use, and distribution of user data.

In the worst case scenario, your data could be sold to employers, who may examine your profile before making a hiring decision. They could deduce that your consistent search queries for "diabetes treatment," or something of the like, means that you'd be a liability on their health insurance policy.

To combat privacy concerns like these, the Obama administration has proposed a consumer 'privacy bill of rights' that would protect users by allowing them to decide what information is collected about them, and how it is used. However, no current laws will get in the way of Google's unified privacy policy.

4. There are some workarounds.

I laughed out loud when a friend suggested to "just stop using Google services." Yeah, right. We all depend on the Goog for everything, from driving directions to figuring out why my knee has been giving me issues. And, where would I get my laughs? I wouldn't last very long without seeing Marcel The Shell With Shoes On.

Forget about going cold turkey. Instead, follow these tips to minimize how much data Google collects about you:

Perform Google searches without signing in.

Use these tools to avoid leaving any footprints when you use Google services.
"Confuse" Google by creating multiple accounts and using them for different activities. (If you are able to do this without going insane, high five.)
Add 'do not track' to your browsers.

Check out the Electronic Frontier Foundation's complete guide to protecting your privacy. But if all else fails, you can always back up your Google data, and close your account.

5. Google Books, Chrome, and Wallet will not be affected. The privacy policies of 60 of Google's services were collapsed into one today, but Wallet, Books, and Chrome will maintain independent policies.

http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-...y-affects-you/
  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    Ya know what pisses me off more than anything about this? They are presumptuous to sell the data they collect. It's one thing to use a service willfully and have that service collect some data -- but if anyone should be making money from MY data, it's ME. There should be a law against selling anyone else's information unless that person gets to specify an amount they want for the PURCHASE of that data. If you want to make a whole book on what I do fine -- but you damned well pay ME for MY information.

    I'm extremely likely to stop using Google for anything that I can find elsewhere -- and will do so until they pay me for the information about MY life they are profiting from. They do NOT have my permission to use my information free of charge.
    Signature

    Sal
    When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
    Beyond the Path

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    • Profile picture of the author Karen Blundell
      I just use Private Browsing and use the "do not track" option...thank you Firefox!

      but I still have 2 Gmail accounts, a Google webmaster account, and of course my YouTube Channel

      so they have my info whether I want them to or not...

      sigh...the whole world needs to adopt this policy: MYOFB!
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    • Profile picture of the author seasoned
      Originally Posted by HeySal View Post

      Ya know what pisses me off more than anything about this? They are presumptuous to sell the data they collect. It's one thing to use a service willfully and have that service collect some data -- but if anyone should be making money from MY data, it's ME. There should be a law against selling anyone else's information unless that person gets to specify an amount they want for the PURCHASE of that data. If you want to make a whole book on what I do fine -- but you damned well pay ME for MY information.

      I'm extremely likely to stop using Google for anything that I can find elsewhere -- and will do so until they pay me for the information about MY life they are profiting from. They do NOT have my permission to use my information free of charge.
      You have a point! I, as a consultant, know some trade secrets, etc... Custom, decency, and technically the law, FORBIDS me to use it in any way. They often have contracts wth me and my recruiters to make that ABUNDANTLY clear!

      The california DMV made a mistake that ******NOBODY****** before or since EVER made! After they made that mistake, people used it to send me junk mail. It was either a FANTASTIC coincidence, though almost nobody even knew I had ANYTHING there, much less that partcular incorrect thing, or THEY SOLD MY DATA!!!!!!!

      Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author Patrician
    I met someone online who has a serious legal case against Google for years now - I won't go into it because I can't explain it right - it is not related to privacy except in an abstract sense - more to how they can exploit people even for trademarks and etc and never give them a dime - and get away with it in the courts (so far) -- he hasn't lost all yet but just several points - so he still has hope - and it is the PRINCIPAL he is fighting about, not money per se.

    His is just one in a long line of lawsuits (for example re: ongoing Adwords/Adsense litigation). It's pretty hard for individuals to have their way against a monster like this, right or wrong, ethical/legal or not but I am hoping one of these days someone will be successful in taking them down a notch.

    Right now they are being particularly obnoxious because they are competing with FaceHook (for traffic)- now there is a contest from hell. Unfortunately the spoils are our rights, identity and INCOME in some cases.
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    • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
      In the worst case scenario, your data could be sold to employers, who may examine your profile before making a hiring decision. They could deduce that your consistent search queries for "diabetes treatment," or something of the like, means that you'd be a liability on their health insurance policy.
      Haha! With all the research I do in the medical field for clients, they wouldn't hire me due to thinking I'll drop dead they day after I started, and it would be a complete waste of their time, lol!

      I had better just stick to my day job.

      Terra
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  • Profile picture of the author whateverpedia
    Originally Posted by Greg Wildermuth View Post

    This week, I'm a chakra meditator who plays golf, does day trading, offers virtual phone services, has rhumatoid arthritis and is thinking about ear surgery and a vacation in Brazil.
    Then you're probably the one clicking my ads targeted at golf playing, day trading, vitrual phone using chakra meditators with rheumatoid arthritis, dodgy ears and currently on vacation in Brazil.
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    Why do garden gnomes smell so bad?
    So that blind people can hate them as well.
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  • Profile picture of the author LeeLee
    In addition to work research and research for fun (G-d I love the internet), today I was cheating and trying to solve the Sunday crossword puzzle. Yeah, I hope someday to have access to my profile.
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    The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of nonessentials. ~ Lin Yutang
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