Privacy is not about data – it's about people. Privacy is not about secrecy, it is not about hiding information and is not a technology problem - Privacy is a social problem. Privacy is concerned with the proper handling of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and respecting the dignity of the individual to whom the information refers. Think you have any privacy when it comes to a social networking site? Think again. Just take a look at who has invested in the site and open your eyes.
The Terrible Truth About Facebook's Privacy
“Almost all big US Internet companies such as Facebook, Google, and Yahoo allow the CIA to access user data via a specially designed interface. Facebook is the most appalling spying machine that has ever been invented. With the storing of user generated information on Facebook, the US intelligence services and government have access to personal data of millions of people globally.” -Julian Assange, Wikileaks founder
Google and other search engines track what users search; over time, the data collected can be pretty revealing. For the most part, privacy policies are only as good as the lawyers backing them and "law of the land" can trump anything. And all of that adds up to worrisome prospects for all of us.
We've known for a while that Google was consolidating its privacy policies into one main one and today 1st of March 2012 is the day that this goes into effect. The new privacy policy gives Google the ability to monitor activity across all of its services including Google Docs, Gmail, YouTube, and others. They'll monitor each individual user through Google account log-ins.
The way Google presents it is that it will allow the company to make its products better and more personally relevant to the user. "In short, we can treat you as a single user across all our products," said a Google spokesperson.
The whole thing has blown up in the media since Google first announced the changes. I haven't heard too many people talking about it in casual conversation, but there's no question that some are concerned, though I suspect the majority clicked to "dismiss" the little notification that Google has been showing users with little thought or concern. People have, however, been pretty vocal about it on Twitter.
We've known for a while that Google was consolidating its privacy policies into one main one and today 1st of March 2012 is the day that this goes into effect. The new privacy policy gives Google the ability to monitor activity across all of its services including Google Docs, Gmail, YouTube, and others. They'll monitor each individual user through Google account log-ins.
The way Google presents it is that it will allow the company to make its products better and more personally relevant to the user. "In short, we can treat you as a single user across all our products," said a Google spokesperson.
The whole thing has blown up in the media since Google first announced the changes. I haven't heard too many people talking about it in casual conversation, but there's no question that some are concerned, though I suspect the majority clicked to "dismiss" the little notification that Google has been showing users with little thought or concern. People have, however, been pretty vocal about it on Twitter.
The video speech below, by privacy expert Steven Rambam gives deep insight into the possibilities of privacy invasion through tools that are freely available on the internet. He gives examples of Facebook, MySpace, blogs, etc. and also shows how companies like Google or even Domino's Pizza are using data-mining to get a profile of their customers.
One of his best quotes is when he talks about the possibilities that mobile phones offer for data collection: "The iPhone uses both, GPS and Skyhook - you can't hide -- the only way to hide from this is to take out the battery -- oh, wait a second ... you can't take the battery out of an iPhone!" [1:12:35]
The whole documentary is quite long - around 3 hours - but if you care just a little bit about your privacy, it is worth every minute!
Google is the go-to provider of many things online-search, email, maps, and more. But have you ever stopped to consider all of the information you’re sharing with Google? Read on, and find out all of the dirt that Google has on you.
One of his best quotes is when he talks about the possibilities that mobile phones offer for data collection: "The iPhone uses both, GPS and Skyhook - you can't hide -- the only way to hide from this is to take out the battery -- oh, wait a second ... you can't take the battery out of an iPhone!" [1:12:35]
The whole documentary is quite long - around 3 hours - but if you care just a little bit about your privacy, it is worth every minute!
Google is the go-to provider of many things online-search, email, maps, and more. But have you ever stopped to consider all of the information you’re sharing with Google? Read on, and find out all of the dirt that Google has on you.
1. What you’re searching for: Google is used by millions of people worldwide-and they know what every user is searching for, even if it’s not personally identifiable.
2. The web pages you visit: Google AdSense is used by many web pages for online advertising, and Google’s cookies record your visits to web pages with their ad program on them.
3. The blogs you read: If you use Google Reader, Google knows the blogs you subscribe to. Even if you’re not on Google Reader, Google knows all of the Blogger pages you visit.
4. Your financial information: Users of AdSense and/or Google Checkout share financial information, addresses, and other personal information with Google.
5. The strength and popularity of your website or blog: For users of Google Analytics, Google knows what sites you control, how they are doing, and their trends.
6. Who and what you’re emailing: GMail users, and those who send mail to GMail users share a variety of personal and business information with Google.
7. What’s on your PC: If you’re using Google Desktop, Google knows everything that you keep on your computer.
8. Your research paper, bills, upcoming blog post, etc.: Docs and Spreadsheets are great web-based office tools, but using them means exposing the information in your documents to Google.
9. Your schedule: Google Calendar opens your personal and business schedule up to the prying eyes of Google.
10. Your social network and interests: Google indexes sites like Orkut, Facebook, and Digg, and as such, has access to information about what you’re interested in online.
11. When you’re going to get the flu: Google can track flu related searches to find out where and when the flu happens.
12. Where you and your friends are: Using Google Latitude, cell phone users can share their location with others. Even if you’re not using Latitude, Google Maps for mobile can approximate your location.
13. What you’re watching on YouTube: Google owns YouTube, and knows about all the dirty videos you’ve been watching.
14. What and where you study: Google Books, Scholar, and University Search are tools that can reveal your academic life online.
15. Everything you’re looking at online: Users of the browser Google Chrome allow Google to see all of the web pages they are visiting.
16. Your problems: Asking a question or giving an answer on Google Answers will reveal your problems and personal life to Google.
17. Your medical issues: Do you use Google Health? If so, you’re sharing your entire medical history with Google.
18. Your home address: Use Google Maps, AdSense, or Checkout, and there’s a good chance Google has your home address.
19. Mobile number: On SMS, Google Mobile, and Gmail, you can reveal your mobile number to Google.
20. How your voice sounds: Using Google Talk will share the sound of your voice with Google.
21. What you, your friends and family look like and do: With the photo editor Picasa, you’re revealing your photographs, friends, and moments to Google.
22. Everything you do online: Google Secure Access encrypts your data, so everything you’re doing online for school or work is recordable.
23. What you want to buy and have bought: Product search and Catalog search can reveal what you’re buying and shopping for.
24. What your business is about: Keywords and purchasing patterns on Adwords share information about your business with Google.
25. What’s important to you: If you’ve set up Google Alerts, Google knows all of the things that are most important for you to know about online.
However, before continuing, let me offer this caveat: the reason so many of people almost exclusively use Google Apps for nearly every facet of online activity is because Google makes really good apps. That said, some of these alternatives might not be on par with, say, Gmail or Google+, so make a measured decision on what you need from these types of services and what features you can do without.
While you can turn off your Web History as well as use Google’s own encrypted search, you could still always do one better by simply not using Google search directly (especially until the full application of the new Privacy Policy is witnessed and understood).
With Scroogle down for the moment, the two viable not-Google contenders to take its place are DuckDuckGo and Gibiru. Both sites are pro-privacy and ensure users’ searches are encrypted by concealing your IP address from your search query. With either of these two search tools, your results will be the same as the basic results you get from Google.
Starting Page also claim to serve as a sort of middle-man between you and Google that keeps no records or data on their own at all. So even if they were subpoenaed, they'd have none of your search data to hand over. And all Google knows is someone made a search from Starting Page, but there's no way for them to know whose searches are whose. Starting Page even has a Firefox plugin that uses HTTPS for the browser search bar.
While you don't have to totally break free, a little less Google in your life might do you some good! Discover Google alternatives that should help you shake off that feeling that Google completely owns your life.
Starting Page also claim to serve as a sort of middle-man between you and Google that keeps no records or data on their own at all. So even if they were subpoenaed, they'd have none of your search data to hand over. And all Google knows is someone made a search from Starting Page, but there's no way for them to know whose searches are whose. Starting Page even has a Firefox plugin that uses HTTPS for the browser search bar.
While you don't have to totally break free, a little less Google in your life might do you some good! Discover Google alternatives that should help you shake off that feeling that Google completely owns your life.
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Ironic how there is an option to comment as a Google account and there is a G+ follow option on this page... but I completely agree.
ReplyDelete"the reason so many of people almost exclusively use Google Apps for nearly every facet of online activity is because Google makes really good apps. That said, some of these alternatives might not be on par with, say, Gmail or Google+, so make a measured decision on what you need from these types of services and what features you can do without."
DeleteShame they all suck apart from Google, only other one that isn't completely pants is Bing (M$)
ReplyDeleteWell there may be "pro-privacy" search engine, websites, or whatsoever. But are we sure they're not collecting data/information on our back? How can we prove that? Did anyone of us saw their algorithm or source code? (This Bothers me as well). It's plain simple, if you want to keep your privacy there are two easy ways. First, don't post or query anything about that you think is private to you. Last, don't use any of their service at all. :)
ReplyDeleteHmm....Startpage is "enhanced by Google".
ReplyDeleteAnyone else find that a bit...odd, all things considered?
Thing you gotta ask yourself is - would you take free candy being handed out by Hitler...for example?
I sure as hell wouldn't. O.O
Maybe, just get over-it?? There is NO PRIVACY...not even in the Womb.
ReplyDeletegr8 it sounds kinda like the movie the enemy of the state..........
ReplyDeletePeople should realize that the moment you use the internet, you have no right to privacy. It's the internet, not a private world. And I'm saying that as a libertarian.
ReplyDeleteIf Hitler had google, the "final solution" would have been implemented before opposing nations could even blink.
ReplyDeleteI think its good to have google all under one Umbrella, the Apps are all by the same company... therefore only one company has your info instead of using various diff sources. I couldnt care less what info they have on me, aint like it means a real lot outta say 2 billion people is it. If I wish to do something in real life I dont broadcast it, then its private. What else to you expect for free, you don't get nothing for free in this world. Everyone has a choice to use the web or not !!!
ReplyDeleteUse TOR bros and be careful !!!
ReplyDeletesshhh...this is private..!
ReplyDeletecan we trust tor?
ReplyDeleteAlso you may use Open source software Piwik for a great Google analytics alternative!
ReplyDeleteWay cool! Some extremеly ѵalid ρoints!
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Their greatest argument is that: "ONLY people who have something to hide, want to hide.." well that may be true. but that does not give them the right to infringe upon everyone's privacy. The right to Privacy is in the constitution for a reason, it protects us in our homes, however when we step outside into the public anyone has the right to film us or monitor our movements. But we believe in our homes we are secure. and we believe on our computers we are secure. but the truth is and possibly always will be, on the internet long before Google came along that we are not secure. we have been watched since 1973 and logged, labeled and numbered. So this is not a new phenomenon. sad thing is, we can't stop it. monitoring of everyone is inevitable. it has become an institution. I hate it, you hate it. They get a boner off of it. it is true that there are a select few that can access this info. but we have a secret weapon, Elite hackers can also access these databases. And MAYBE/God willing they can change things.. we cry out now, please help us hacker Elites.. we need you desperately..
ReplyDeleteMarvelous, what a website it is! This blog presents
ReplyDeleteuseful information to us, keep it up.
Feel free to surf my webpage Panic Away Review
Why is there a like button for Facebook on the video about Facebook's intrusion into our lives? Seems hypocritical, no?
ReplyDeletelook up start page. use it and abuse it people. private. and same google searches without the traces.
ReplyDeleteIf we are to take privacy seriously, it may psy to bear in mind that we are also under the scrutiny of Ceiling Cat every time we masturbate. Also, Jehovah, the God of Abraham and Moses, apparently knows the secrets of our hearts, and sees every single act we do.
ReplyDelete1John2:18...(2000years ago)...It is the last time: and ye have heard that antichrist [opponents of Christ] shall come, even now (back then) there are many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time!......[Time dating ended with the eternal words of Jesus]
ReplyDelete2John..V7...for many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh! THIS IS A DECEIVER AND AN ANTICHRIST!!
Luke16:16...the Law and the Prophets...[both]...were ''until'' John (the Baptist).....since then the Kingdom of God is preached...!
Luke24:44...these are the words that I (Jesus) spake unto you while I was yet with you, that ALL THINGS MUST BE FULFILLED WHICH WERE WRITTEN IN THE LAW OF MOSES, AND THE PROPHETS, AND IN THE PSALMS CONCERNING ME !
All prophecy and all the law and everything predicting the coming of Jesus and his ministry on earth were completed and fulfilled when Jesus came! That includes the prophecy of ''the revelation of Jesus'' that was given to John!
You are taking liberty saying the "beast out of the sea" is the (singular) antichrist! There are many that are antichrist, that is, they don't believe Jesus was the Christ of God! Believers of the New Covenant/Testament are learning and growing on truth from God that has already been made available...the work is finished, the truth is here, nothing left to accomplish but to grow up in the truth and live as the Sons of God should live.
And this blog is powered by blogspot (google) ..lmao :D
ReplyDeleteWell, at the end of the article says:
DeleteHowever, before continuing, let me offer this caveat: the reason so many of people almost exclusively use Google Apps for nearly every facet of online activity is because Google makes really good apps. That said, some of these alternatives might not be on par with, say, Gmail or Google+, so make a measured decision on what you need from these types of services and what features you can do without.
stop using any google products before posting these kind of docs... u feed google your privacy and expect it to maintain it... when u are not able to maintain your own privacy.. how do u expect others to maintain it for u
ReplyDelete...And who signed the petition for a free internet??
ReplyDeleteYou give these corporations exactly what you share with them.
ReplyDeleteFacebook has tons of privacy settings. If you want to, turn those settings all the way down so only you and Facebook can see your photos. Also, don't give web apps access to your Facebook account, and install Don't Track Me on Firefox or Chrome so that the Facebook cookie doesn't autotrack you on websites with Like, Share, and Recommend buttons. If you do want to Like, Share, and/or Recommend something, just click the button and Don't Track Me will allow the connection.
Google has similar settings, and is less direct about sharing your personal data with other entities. In addition, Google has actively supported the free internet (creating petitions against SOPA and PIPA and the DOHA Convention).
All of these entities, or at least most, have terms that spell out how they share your data. If you just click through those terms, then you really have no right to complain. If a service looks fishy, DON'T USE IT. Peer pressure does not compel you to use Facebook. Google is harder to avoid, but there is hardly anything about Google that is actually bad.
How freakin messed up is that? yes I know that my face book is tapped into as well as my phone. Lete get on the ball and get this other internet going and say good riddens to facebook and google on all the bad thing' s it has to offer. done w/ people like that and you know they would'nt like it if it happend to them. lol
DeleteHey fellas, isnt google and facebook also responcible for our rapid education and connection with each other...arent those organisations like wiki leaks in existence because of the accused ones in this case? for what global movement are we talking about if it weren't for Facebook and the internet as a whole.. We all can simply realize what immense power we have been given through Google...
ReplyDeleteand when the XBOX 720 comes out with a camera attached they will be able to see into your home in normal and infra red, profile you by your walk and face from all angles and you are gonna pay them for it.
ReplyDeleteIf you want privacy, you can block an entire country's IP if you want to go for the extremes and not join any social networks or use e-mails all together.
ReplyDeleteSnail mail is still there, firewalls exists and so does choices.
It's just a matter of deciding how much self-exposure you're willing to share with the world in trade with convenience. Everything comes with a price & nothing is free in this world, especially in cyberspace.