In our Digital Age, there is no such thing as absolute anonymity. Google announced their privacy policy overhaul several weeks ago, creating a small firestorm over privacy concerns. Dozens of Google services fall under the comprehensive privacy policy overhaul, including YouTube, Maps, and Picasa Web Albums.
(image courtesy of Michelle Meiklejohn)
Ahead of the change, I checked my Google Dashboard to see what information they might have on me. My Dashboard is primarily work oriented, including Alerts, Google docs, Ad Words, and Calendar. As an SEO specialist, my work is focused on organic search results so I know that Google will gather some information about me, like it or not.
I definitely understand why many people are unhappy about Google gathering a glut of their personal information. The truth is that Google has always been collecting user information. It makes sense that a multibillion dollar company, whose revenue is generated primarily by advertising, would compile user information to ensure that relevant advertisements reach their intended recipients. As ZDNet discovered, one archived policy reveals that Google indicated the possibility of combining user information from multiple Google products years ago. So this is really nothing new.
Creating a cohesive user profile will likely enhance a user’s web experience. A fine line emerges when people wish for a more personalized browsing and Internet experience without sacrificing their personal information. But with the many concerns over privacy issues, the Google policy seems far too Big Brother-ish for some users.
So what can you do if you don’t want Google to track you? Google makes it possible for you to semi-control the information that they gather about you. You can opt out of seeing personalized ads on Search and Gmail. You can opt out of Ad Preferences by disabling your cookies. Notably absent from the new privacy policy change are Google’s Chrome and Chrome OS web browsers, Books, and Wallet, so be sure to check out those policies if you use those products. If you are willing to sacrifice a personalized browsing experience for anonymity, make these changes today.