Google to Congress: Let's correct some privacy policy 'misconceptions'
Summary: Google said a letter that it welcomed "the opportunity to correct some of the misconceptions that have been circulated about our updated privacy policy."
In a letter to Congress to address inquiries, Google said its privacy policy changes last week aren't all that new. The search giant isn't collecting new information and is just combining some data to enhance the user experience.
Google said in its letter that it welcomed "the opportunity to correct some of the misconceptions that have been circulated about our updated privacy policy."
Indeed, Google isn't collecting new information. Nevertheless, there's a scale issue with Google that can be scary as it connects information. One man's user experience enhancement can be another person's creepy. Congress---never one to shy away from a high-profile hearing---asked Google about its privacy policy changes.
Among Google's key points were:
- The privacy policy changes still leave control with users.
- No new information is being collected.
- And users can take their data and go elsewhere.
Google noted:
Our updated privacy policy makes it clear in one comprehensive document that, if a user is signed in, we may combine information she has provided from one service with information from our other services. We’ll treat that user as a single entity across all our services, which will mean a simpler, more intuitive Google experience.
Will Congress back off? Technically, Google's argument makes sense. It's unclear whether legislators can refrain from garnering headlines though.
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Talkback
RE: Google to Congress: Let's correct some privacy policy 'misconceptions'
RE: Google to Congress: Let's correct some privacy policy 'misconceptions'
You say dump Google services with no alternative solutions.
What services do you have with Google that have not worked out and why?
RE: Google to Congress: Let's correct some privacy policy 'misconceptions'
RE: Google to Congress: Let's correct some privacy policy 'misconceptions'
What personnel information did Google take from you?
RE: Google to Congress: Let's correct some privacy policy 'misconceptions'
Anything in gmail, anything through chrome, your address on maps as well as your wifi details and that's just to start.
RE: Google to Congress: Let's correct some privacy policy 'misconceptions'
Why should you get money for it, you already get to use their services, no? In what utopia would such thing come for free? You think they don't have bills to pay, that they just want to make the world a better place by giving away free internet services without getting anything in return?
Or maybe you are upset because they forced you to signup for their services whilst holding a gun against your head?
I mean, what's the problem???
RE: Google to Congress: Let's correct some privacy policy 'misconceptions'
And... Google doesn't 'steal' any information that someone else couldn't dig up on the net given enough time. I could care less about what information they are now putting together by combining the data from each of their services. Note, I said "care-less", not careless.
If I do see some scary trends in the information they take and what they do with it I will pack up my information and go to some also ran that's more likely than not doing the same thing Google is doing-- just not telling me about it.
Google is an excellent service
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