I was surprised today when Internet giant Google today removed the "Beta" or test label from its new Chrome browser. Four-year-old Gmail still carries the "Beta" label. Despite the changes, though, the Web browser still offers inadequate protection for users' privacy.
Continue reading...Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Consumer Watchdog is a consumer advocacy group that believes Google's e-mail service, called Gmail, is not private or secure. And Consumer Watchdog says the security problem is not only with Gmail users, but also with those who may not have Gmail but correspond with Gmail users.
Continue reading...Wednesday, November 5, 2008
With Google adding a browser to its search engine, cloud applications, ad tracking and toolbar, it already knows more about you than even your mother could. But Consumer Watchdog thinks the Lords of the Web should still make it easier for people to have a bit more privacy...
Continue reading...Tuesday, November 4, 2008
The nonprofit Consumer Watchdog has called on Google to amend several features in its new browser that, they claim, seriously compromise your privacy on the Web. You may have noticed that whenever you start typing into Google's search field, the site starts suggesting topics for you. Google is, in fact, recording and storing every keystroke you type, regardless of whether you hit the search button or not. The company also stores your IP address, which can narrow your physical location down to within a block or two. In short, Google has compiled a profile of who you are and what you're like, along with a damn good idea of where you live. If the government would like to know as well, and can get their hands on a subpoena, there's not much you can do about it.
Continue reading...Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Chief among the group's complaints is Google Suggest, a feature found in Chrome and other Google applications like Google Toolbar. In an effort to publicize what it claims are the privacy failings of Google...
Continue reading...Monday, November 3, 2008
Online Video Targets Google’s New “Chrome” Browser, Websites And Software Revealed SANTA MONICA, CA -- Consumer Watchdog has created a You Tube video showing how your computer could be having an unnoticed conversation about you with Google. The nonprofit group has called on Google’s founders and directors to adopt new privacy safeguards that allow for anonymous internet and software use. Watch the video here and read the letter to Google’s founders here.
Continue reading...Saturday, November 1, 2008
Perhaps the biggest threat to Google Inc.'s increasing dominance of Internet search and advertising is the rising fear, justified or not, that Google's broadening reach is giving it unchecked power. "Google Suggest" sends Google searches as you type, in hopes of anticipating your desires. So if you're keying in "Electoral College 2008 election," Google will offer multiple search queries along the way. First you'd be given results related to the term "electoral," then ones on the Electoral College in general, and finally you'd get links pertaining to Tuesday's presidential vote. This is what worries Consumer Watchdog: Say you key in something that could be embarrassing or deeply personal, but reconsider before you press "Enter." The autosuggest feature still sends this phrase to Google's servers, tied to your computer's numeric Internet Protocol (IP) address.
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Thursday, December 11, 2008
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