more google gmail privacy heat

another good article referencing gmail privacy concerns:

http://observer.guardian.co.uk/focu...1185333,00.html

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another privacy=evil article:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/6/36778.html

this is interesting too:
http://www.google-watch.org/email.html

I really don't think that this is a privacy issue. Google is providing a free service and anyone who wants that service agrees to give up whatever is specified in their terms of service - and then realize that a database is being built that could change ownership or ethic over time.

If a person wants secure communication so that google or his/her boss or spouse or competitor or mother or big brother doesn't come upon privy information then a free service should not be used.

You give them your data in exchange for what might be access to a nice email system. Anyone who transmits things of a secret nature should spend the money to get their own system. And, even with that private system, once you click the send button your data moves through lots of places where smart people with low ethics could sniff your ****.

It is a privacy issue, in the generic sense of Google's entire attitude toward privacy considerations.

Google, the world's largest information broker, has yet to hire their first privacy officer.

Larry Page was quoted in the L.A. Times several days ago as saying that correlating the Gmail profiles with your search term history that comes from using the main Google search engine, is something that Google might do. They already have all the database systems in place, and they're all designed to facilitate such correlation. All that remains is to see how many privacy advocates scream over this. If the screams aren't loud enough, Google will go ahead and do it.

And if Google was really interested in privacy, they would have hosted the form for your current email address -- where you enter it to get updates on how to sign up for Gmail -- on their gmail.com domain instead of redirecting you to google.com. What's the difference? By entering your email address on a form that resides on google.com instead of gmail.com, your 34-year cookie with the unique ID that's been tracking all of your searches, is now tagged to your email addy, which suddenly makes you "personally identifiable" in a manner that the cookie ID alone didn't.

Finally, there's that other little matter -- when you delete your email on Gmail, Google makes it clear that they have the right to NOT delete it. Sure, you consent to this in a technical sense, but how many Google cultists read the privacy policy before they rush to join the latest Google service?

Don't be evil.

Google is setting the tone for privacy abuse by everybody else. Give it time and even the non-free commercial providers and hosting companies will be altering their TOS to accommodate even greater invasions of privacy. With time you won't have the option of not signing up for this type of program.

Somtimes that light at the end of a tunnel is a locomotive coming full tilt.

Using Google to search is voluntary, and free.



Using G-mail for e-mail will be voluntary, and free.



The easiest thing to do if you have concerns over privacy is not use Google to search or for e-mail. It’s not a government mandated law that one must use any service offered by Google.



I know I’m in the minority on this issue, but I just don’t think it’s that big of a deal. The data collection tactics are somewhat new to the online world (at least by a major player like Google) but have going on in “traditional business” for decades.

Google bashing has become a great sport around here and it’s becoming very tiresome. Their search engine is still the BEST (and relatively easy to SEO), Adsense pays many of my bills and I’ll be first in line to use gmail. Now, let me see – does Microsoft have any new products ‘cause I’ll buy them too.

Federal law prohibits use of your private information unless there is an opt out feature. This is with what I believe you refer to as with "traditional business".

Seems like this is an end run around those laws to me. The flu isn't a particularly bad problem until it spreads.

You'll feel great when your hosting provider says we decided to sell all your private information but you can quit us if you don't like it. Oh, that's OK I understand you want to make money. I understand you probably do this with yourself. Heck no, do you think we're crazy.

the problem with this approach is that google or whoever dont make it blatantly clear what they are planning to do with your info. yes...they say....you are agreeing to the 'terms'....blah blah blah.....and the terms are some 10000 words essay filled with legal mumbo jumbo that nobody reads. [and google knows this] thats where the scamming comes into the picture.


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I agree with the Zooman.

I do not believe there is any great threat to an individual regarding privacy issues. The threat arises when the data is compiled and the analysis of that data is used to shape the collective consciousness for the benefit of the rich and powerful and at the expense of us common folk. We become the victims of a war before we are even aware there is a conflict.

The naysayers will mention conspiracy theory but just look at how the media (controlled by the rich and powerful) shapes public consciousness. Not trying to provoke a political discussion here but what the hell is a smart bomb? Just think about the things you now have to think about.

What law (or laws) would this be and where can I read about it?
Please define "use of your private information" as well.
Google (g-mail) has the ultimate opt out feature - don't sign up or use the service.

Does any business make it blatantly clear? I stopped on the way home from work today and picked up a 12 pack at the local liquor store. I used a credit card, and didn’t notice their privacy policy posted anywhere. I’m not concerned though.

I’m not going to live my life wondering what everyone is going to do with my “personal info”.

To the first question? I won't do your homework for you. You're the one promoting lawyers ask one.

To the second question if you're so content why bother other people with your interpretations?

"Ignorance is bliss" and I do believe some people find it earlier in life than others.

I know the privacy laws; I’ve been in the direct marketing industry for over 9 years. I think you’re just throwing around vague interpretations of what you think the laws are and spouting them as truth.

There is no federal law that “prohibits use of your private information unless there is an opt out feature”. Privacy laws do exist, but this is not one of them.

If you want to debate privacy issues that’s fine. I love a good debate. If you just want to throw around vague, inaccurate and non-verifiable statements, peppered with light insults, this is my last reply to you on this subject:-)

hi gfc .... if your not worried what people do with your personal information .... then just go get yourself a gmail and dont worry bout it .... your a google kind of user ....

there are a number of federal laws pertaining to personal information, but my understanding is they only pertain to the use of credit or financial or medical information/services .... i dont think they apply to free email or internet services .... HOWEVER ..... if an opt out option is not allowed .... i do NOT think googles cookie is in compliance with the w3c standards for internet privacy which most browsers use to process automatic privacy settings .... KACKLE ... you might like to look into that .... there is not any enforcement mechanisim for that though ... it is a voluntary privacy initiative as far as i know .... but if they are not in compiliance with it ... it certainly is not much for their standing in the internet community ....