Yesterday Google announced its Flu Trends tool, which tracks outbreaks of the Flu. Of course like with just about everything Google does, there are critics, and very often the concerns of these critics stem from privacy issues. This case is no different. So before the speculation and criticism spirals too far out of control, Google decided to nip it in the bud, and address these things right away. A post at the Official Google Blog says:
AT&T Pledges To Protect Internet Users Privacy
AT&T is calling on all companies that track and collect data on Internet users search and browsing activity to give consumers more control over how their online habits are collected and used.
Americans Anxious Over Online Privacy
The majority of Americans are concerned about what is being done with their personal information online according to a new poll from Consumer Reports.The poll found that 82 percent of people are concerned about their credit card numbers being stolen online, while 72 percent are concerned that their online activity is being tracked and profiled by companies.
Google Enacts New Privacy Precautions
You’ve probably seen more gracious behavior from 6-year-olds who have lost a game of Monopoly. Still, even if the company’s not thrilled about it, Google’s agreed to take new steps to protect users’ privacy.The main development relates to anonymizing IP addresses on corporate server logs after nine months instead of eighteen. It’s no secret that the EU regulators and other watchdogs pushed Google on this point for a long time.
Google Scoffs At Complete Privacy
Google’s Street View photography of a Pennsylvania residence drew a lawsuit from the owners, but Google dismissed the plaintiff’s opinion as being out of touch with the real world.
US Senate’s Response To Online Privacy Laws For Advertising
The US Senate is holding a series of hearings on online advertising, behavioral targeting and privacy to determine whether they should consider legislation protecting consumers online in these areas. The Senate has turned to Google, Microsoft, the FTC, Facebook, privacy watchdogs and others for their opinions in the matter. Some, like Google, welcomed a “comprehensive privacy law that would establish a uniform framework for privacy and procedures to punish bad actors.”
Google Does A Little Privacy Razzle Dazzle
The Center for Democracy & Technology’s analysis of behavioral ad targeting done at the ISP level, which claims such targeting "may run afoul of federal and state wiretap laws," comes at a pretty convenient moment for Google. Both the search ad company and the CDT are testifying in front of the Senate Commerce Committee this morning for a hearing about behavioral targeting and privacy.
Google Not Shy About Privacy
Last month I had reported that Ask.com had added a direct link to its privacy policy via a "Privacy" link conveniently placed on its homepage. It was observed that even Google didn’t have the ‘Privacy Link’ and that this move might compel the search giant to do the same to their homepage too.
Ask Privacy Link
Ask.com has announced. that it has added a direct link to its privacy policy via a "Privacy" link conveniently placed on its homepage, thus, easing the growing concerns of the privacy watchdogs.
Facebook’s Privacy Practices Subject Of New Complaint
Canadian law students are causing trouble for a certain social network. The University of Ottawa-based Canadian Internet Policy and Public Interest Clinic (CIPPIC) has filed a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner over Facebook’s practices.