Author Topic: Big Google is Watching You... (Read 541 times)

Seagoon · « **on:** November 15, 2005, 01:00:05 PM »

Hi Guys,

An interesting article in the Washington Post on the "soul" and future direction of Google

Google Article in the Wash Post...

What has some Internet users who were unaware of exactly how powerful tracking cookies and IP logging suddenly concerned about is contained in two paragraphs:

Meanwhile, the Googlers spend countless hours tweaking Google's hardware and software to reliably deliver search results in a fraction of a second. Few Google users realize, however, that every search ends up as a part of Google's huge database, where the company collects data on you, based on the searches you conduct and the Web sites you visit through Google. The company maintains that it does this to serve you better, and deliver ads and search results more closely targeted to your interests. But the fact remains: Google knows a lot more about you than you know about Google.

If these were the actions of some obscure company, maybe none of this would matter much. But these are the practices of an enterprise whose search engine is so ubiquitous it has become synonymous with the Internet itself for millions of computer users. And if the Google Guys have their way, their presence will only grow. Brin and Page see Google (its motto: "Don't Be Evil") as a populist force for good that empowers individuals to find information fast about anything and everything.

What amazed me was the number of responses to this article in the blogging community along the lines of "Hey, you mean they know exactly how many times I typed in "Jenna Jameson" in the search field??? What's to stop them from selling that data?" Yes Virginia, the internet really is neither private nor secure.

Count the cost before you click.

- SEAGOON

Bruno · « **Reply #1 on:** November 15, 2005, 01:35:13 PM »

CustomizeGoogle extension for Firefox

MrRiplEy[H] · « **Reply #2 on:** November 15, 2005, 10:41:56 PM »

There's nothing wrong in clicking a few Jenna pictures. Unless you're doinng something criminal there's little to worry really.

Dunno, perhaps you can get fired in US for a nipple slip.

Leslie · « **Reply #3 on:** November 16, 2005, 01:33:05 AM »

Well, if it ain't one thing, it's something else. Just be careful about what you do and have a good excuse ready.

Les

Nilsen · « **Reply #4 on:** November 16, 2005, 02:16:43 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by MrRiplEy[H]
There's nothing wrong in clicking a few Jenna pictures. Unless you're doinng something criminal there's little to worry really.

Dunno, perhaps you can get fired in US for a nipple slip.

Could be harmful to your rep if you brag about beeing gay.

Lets call Google and ask them how many times Voss searched for "whats a F-16" and "CIA?"

straffo · « **Reply #5 on:** November 16, 2005, 05:25:49 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Bruno
CustomizeGoogle extension for Firefox

Thank you !

MrRiplEy[H] · « **Reply #6 on:** November 16, 2005, 09:55:09 AM »

Quote

Could be harmful to your rep if you brag about beeing gay.

Harmful? You mean I'd just gain reputation. Next thing you know, I'm offered a Hollywood deal - or mayorship of San Fransisco.

Nilsen · « **Reply #7 on:** November 16, 2005, 10:29:16 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by MrRiplEy[H]
Harmful? You mean I'd just gain reputation. Next thing you know, I'm offered a Hollywood deal - or mayorship of San Fransisco.

Dont think you would get all that for clicking on jenna pictures.... infact, i KNOW you wont.

Lye-El · « **Reply #8 on:** November 16, 2005, 01:55:03 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Bruno
CustomizeGoogle extension for Firefox

Thanks!:aok

oboe · « **Reply #9 on:** November 16, 2005, 01:59:35 PM »

Google shortcuts removed. I hate the idea of tracking information about people without their knowledge or consent. Gonna try Ask.com for a while.

Thanks for the heads up, Seagoon.

Sandman · « **Reply #10 on:** November 16, 2005, 05:05:18 PM »

I don't worry overmuch about what Google may be collecting from their search engine.

Much ado about nothing, IMHO.

Quote

But the fact remains that they are human beings, and inevitably, both they and Google will make mistakes. Unless any of these prove lethal, however, Google -- through its relentless focus on disruptive innovation -- appears likely to wreak havoc on established enterprises and principles for many years to come.

FWIW, I think disruptive innovation is a good thing.

Panzzer · « **Reply #11 on:** November 16, 2005, 06:23:47 PM »

They have a privacy policy after all. (Do not click this, if you don't want Google to know anything about you: link). Doesn't look too bad, and I'm so used to Google nowadays that I wouldn't want to change to another search engine... (I've tried most of them for short periods - except the MSN one, I've tried that just occasionally - IMO Google is still the best as it has been for ... hmm... when did I stop using Altavista, around 2000?)

As Sandman said, much ado about nothing...

Bruno · « **Reply #12 on:** November 16, 2005, 10:36:32 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by straffo
Thank you !

If you like that you may like this as well...

GooglePreview extension for Firefox

Gunslinger · « **Reply #13 on:** November 16, 2005, 10:37:34 PM »

I'm telling you guys: Googlezon is the way of the future
http://www.hitechcreations.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=164808