“77% of Google users don’t know it records personal data”
I’d like to say that with my technology and Internet background that I knew as much about Google tracking me as this article in The Register and others I’ve read point out – but I didn’t. While I’m not in the blissfully ignorant category that this story highlights it never makes you feel good about a company or brand when you feel duped by them. Never mind the fact that Google’s privacy policy clearly outlines this practice – they have to, and Google knows that very few people read web site terms or privacy policies (to our own detriment).
On the other hand, Google originally promised NOT to track certain personal data from their popular e-mail service, G-Mail, and later went back on their word (yes, their policy states they may do that as well). How will job seekers react if Google becomes an online recruitment powerhouse and then turns the tables on them?
Google’s recent stand against the Government is bringing their tracking of personal information in to greater focus for all of us and recent news suggests that Google’s stand against Big Brother may have more to do with their own Orwellian self interests than the protection of your privacy. Apparently, Google might be a bit embarrassed by all the porn that searchers find on the engine every day. We’re not getting on the ‘beat Google with a stick bus’ just yet, after all, they’re just a business out to make money and we’ve got no problem with that. What I do object to is some of the holier than thou philosophies (do no harm) that they espouse when they act no differently than other businesses.
Is there any movement on people taking note of corporate morals and ethics? Sure. Take a look at the news portal
, ethike* that specializes in news on corporate citizenship, ethics and morals from around the world (I’d recommend that you read their About Us page). Perhaps we’re on the cusp of a whole new business world that the currently idealist Gen Y will help turn in to a future pragmatist’s manifesto.
*In the spirit of openness I wanted to mention that ethike contacted me a month ago about some potential business dealings between us. I do not mention them here to promote them for my benefit but because of the relevancy that their site has on the topic of privacy and corporate responsibility that this story is about. Wow, I feel like a big honest windbag now. 
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When I read the Register article my reaction was to see if my previous favorite search engine Alta Vista was still in business. They are and I’m inclined to geve them a go and compare the resutls with Google’s. Of course I don’t know if Alta Vista is any better on the privacy front…hmmmm I’ll have to Google that.
I’m trying to find a web page that I’ve found in the past but know is difficult to refind..I lost the bookmark too, sigh – and I must say Google looks better so far. They really have wormed thier way into our trust and seem to be a bit too ready to abuse it.
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