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Google Facing Privacy Complaint 
By: Andy Beal 2007-04-20 According to CNET, three public interest groups will file a joint complaint with the Federal Trade Commission asking for an examination of the privacy threat posed by Googles acquisition of DoubleClick. Apparently doing the dirty work of MSFT, Yahoo and AT&T, the complaint claims that Googles existing network of sites, combined with the data held by DoubleClick, will pose a security threat to millions of web surfers. "The public interest groups contend that by holding all of that data, Google is vulnerable to security breaches and surveillance by law enforcements in the United States and abroad; and peoples right to privacy could be severely diminished. Among other requests, the groups ask that the FTC order Google to create a meaningful data-destruction policy and give users reasonable access to information stored about them." Googles legal counsel, Nicole Wong, gave this initial response to the complaint. "We cant imagine taking any actions that would undermine these relationships or the trust people have in using our products and services, Wong wrote. What??? Im sure AOL didnt have any intention to undermine the trust of its users either, but look what happened. Im sure Google will tighten up its stance, should the complaint gain traction, but right now, it needs to answers some serious questions about what it does with the information it collects. Even using non-identifiable data poses many risks, claim those making the complaint. Identity can be inferred, Marc Rotenberg, executive director for EPIC and author of the complaint, said in an interview with CNET News.com. We believe that this complaint provides an opportunity for FTC to look closely at whether the online advertising industry provides adequate privacy protection for Internet users and consider the privacy impact of nonpersonally identifiable information collected through search histories. The complaint calls for Google to hold itself to tougher privacy standards, make their privacy policy more accessible and provide users a way to access and delete information held about them. Unfortunately for those making the complaint, the US government may actually want Google to keep all of your precious information. Gives you something to think about, before enabling Googles new web history features, doesnt it? Comments Tag: Google, FTC Add to  Del.icio.us |  Digg |  Reddit |  Furl Have a bookmark! - 
About the Author: Andy Beal is an internet marketing consultant and considered one of the world's most respected and interactive search engine marketing experts. Andy has worked with many Fortune 1000 companies such as Motorola, CitiFinancial, Lowes, Alaska Air, DeWALT, NBC and Experian. You can read his internet marketing blog at Marketing Pilgrim and reach him at andy.beal@gmail.com. |
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