While Google has released a new “easier to understand” set of its privacy guidelines, they are not effective until October 3, 2010, and the questions remains…is consumer privacy more protected?
Google has been under attack for months from the European Union (EU)and now the U.S., alleging stealing of personal information. The unconsented use of information is taken via consumers’ Google search or by Google using digital photographs snapped of peoples’ homes and then incorporated into Google “Street View” maps. The E.U.’s Article 29 Data Protection Working Party” (WP29), which is an influential advisory body to the European Commission, has taken action to push for stronger search engine privacy.
Consumer Watchdog, a consumer advocacy group that has strongly criticized Google of it’s effective spying of consumers, released a strong videocharacterizing Google’s CEO:
The video is an attempt to have a “Do Not Track” bill enter Congress for passage that protects consumers from companies who track consumers’ online activity. This activity includes Google searches, emails, status updates, etc. The proposed bill would be very similar to the “Do Not Call” list Congress had the Federal Trade Commission create to prevent intrusive telemarketers from invading consumers’ privacy.
Google’s current privacy policy includes 5 Privacy Principles (not protections):
We have 5 privacy principles that describe how we approach privacy and user information across all of our products:
- Use information to provide our users with valuable products and services.
- Develop products that reflect strong privacy standards and practices.
- Make the collection of personal information transparent.
- Give users meaningful choices to protect their privacy.
- Be a responsible steward of the information we hold.
These principles are further explained in a YouTube video (owned by Google and viewed by less than 2 million viewers as of September 7, 2010 at 7:09 P.M. PST).
While Google is simplifying its privacy policy language, the technology tracking capabilities are becoming more complex. The new policy does not apply to Picasa web albums, which have geo-tagging capabilities that can readily reveal your location to hackers. See Filutowski Law’s extensive blog poston geo-tagging’s invasion of consumer privacy.
Earlier this year, Google settled a lawsuit for $8.5 million with Buzz. Most of the money is punitive damages. Buzz created a website where it posted people’s personal contacts it readily accessed from Gmail users due to Google’s relaxed privacy settings.
Copyright © 2010 The Filutowski Law Firm, PLLC. This post is intended for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinions on any specific facts or circumstances. An attorney-client relationship is not created or continued by reading this post. If you would like further information regarding the matters discussed herein, you may post a comment. If you need a consultation on a legal matter, contact Alexandra Filutowski.
