Backlash over Google move to change privacy settings

[Jazzy]

Critics have hit out at Google's decision to merge personal data from YouTube, Gmail, search, social network Google+ and dozens of other services.



Forthcoming changes to privacy settings will see data shared across all these platforms. Users cannot opt out of the changes.



Google said the update would offer more relevant searches.



But critics say it has more to do with the data battle the search giant is waging with rival Facebook.



The changes take effect from 1 March



Alma Whitten, Google's director of privacy, product and engineering, said the changes were necessary to simplify current privacy settings.



We're rolling out a new main privacy policy that covers the majority of our products and explains what information we collect and how we use it in a more readable way, she said.



The firm also laid out how it will improve search.



If you're signed into Google, we can do things like suggest search queries, or tailor your search results, based on the interests you've expressed in Google+, Gmail and YouTube, the firm said.



Full article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-16720406



Question: What are your thoughts on Google's decision to merge personal data?

 

[DrLeftover]

I'm still laughing over the fact that people seriously believe that PRIVACY exists on the web.



The only computer that is secure, as well as any data on it, is one that is NOT connected to the Net.

 

[Jazzy]

How very correct you are DrLeftover!

The worse part of this change (IMO) is Users cannot opt out of the changes.

 

[spleenbegone]

Honestly, it's information they already have anyways. All these sites are owned by google, you use the same log in for each one, and provide each with pretty similar information. There's no reason this shouldn't be done, and no real harm in it. People just like choices, so they aren't happy.

I'm still laughing over the fact that people seriously believe that PRIVACY exists on the web.



The only computer that is secure, as well as any data on it, is one that is NOT connected to the Net.

It also needs to be encased in concrete, welded in a steel box, and buried at the bottom of the ocean. And even then, you just have to hope someone doesn't want it bad enough.

 

[Evil Eye]

Won't really affect me... I don't log in anyway.

It also needs to be encased in concrete, welded in a steel box, and buried at the bottom of the ocean. And even then, you just have to hope someone doesn't want it bad enough.

Just rig it to rub a magnet over the hard drive a few times if someone tries to use it or even gets close

 

[spleenbegone]

That doesn't work as well as people thing. There's actually a neodymium magnet that sits right next to the platters.

 

[Evil Eye]

That doesn't work as well as people thing. There's actually a neodymium magnet that sits right next to the platters.

Hmm... well, you could just use a more powerful electromagnet... or send some electricity through... or just wait a few years. Data is so awfully volatile.