The Dark Side of Google

[LasMa]

<p>Notwithstanding the cute PacMan logo on May 21st:</p>

<p>

These companies [Google, Facebook, and others who mine personal data for profit] will never stop trying to chip away at our information. Their entire business model is based on the notion of “monetizing” our privacy. To succeed they must slowly change the notion of privacy itself—the “social norm,” as Facebook puts it—so that what we’re giving up doesn’t seem so valuable. Then they must gain our trust. Thus each new erosion of privacy comes delivered, paradoxically, with rhetoric about how Company X really cares about privacy. I’m not sure whether Orwell would be appalled or impressed. And who knew Big Brother would be not a big government agency, but a bunch of kids in Silicon Valley?

</p>

<p>[Lyons:</a> How Google & Facebook Violate Your Privacy - Newsweek.com](<a href=“http://www.newsweek.com/id/233773]Lyons:”>Lyons: How Google & Facebook Violate Your Privacy)</p>

[NewHope33]

<p>LasMa - IMHO the issue isn’t Google & Facebook aren’t the biggest part of the problem. They’re only working with data clients “volunteer” or data that government or quasi-government agencies REQUIRE citizens provide. The government urges us to protect our SSN then requires us to provide it to used car salesmen when we purchase a car. How protected is that? Used car salesmen???</p>

[LasMa]

<p>It’s both. Governments and banks can strong-arm us into giving information. Google and Facebook have to lure us into giving it, and they do.</p>

[roshke]

<p>Not to mention that it turns out Google’s Street View cars have been “mistakenly” recording all kind of information from unsecured WiFi in homes they pass since 2007.</p>

<p>[Google</a> Street View Cars Spied On Users’ Wi-Fi The Firewall - Forbes.com](<a href=“http://blogs.forbes.com/firewall/2010/05/14/google-street-view-cars-spied-on-users-wi-fi/]Google”>Google Street View Cars Spied On Users' Wi-Fi)</p>

[srw]

<p>I find this “war” about Social Media and trying to keep one’s privacy quite amazing.</p>

<p>For those who haven’t seen it go to Youtube and watch the “Social Media Revolution” video, watch the one with 1.9 million views and the “Did You Know video” watch the one with 10.5 million views - better quality. They are similar, but each gives some specific information</p>

[razorsharp]

<p>Google and Facebook use data in a completely different way. It is a mistake to treat them the same. </p>

<p>Google collects data without caring about your identity and without revealing your identity. Google’s objective is to provide you with useful information for free. Facebook starts with your name and identity being disclosed to them and they will refer that information to third parties who attempt to make profit off of you while knowing your identity. Google does not care about your identity. I have no problem with Google, I have a lot of problem with Facebook.</p>

[nngmm]

<p>^^ I agree with razorsharp</p>