AOL’s shocking searcher log release has reignited the debate in Congress over whether to restrict Internet companies’ use and storage of user data. Though a bill aimed at protecting user privacy has been effectively tabled since February, the fallout from AOL’s data dump may bring it back into light.
Search String Data Sensitivity Hits Spotlight
An in-depth recap of Danny Sullivan’s interview with Google CEO, Eric Schmidt, discussing search data sensitivity, partnerships, and Google’s future directions.
Microsoft Protects Your Privacy?
Microsoft is offering Windows users a “private folder”-a password-protected storage space that will make its home on your desktop. There are a few Faustian catches, though, not the least of which is the requirement to run the Windows Genuine Advantage program before installing Private Folder 1.0.
Tech Firms Fear Privacy Lawsuits
A dozen high-powered companies inside and outside of the technology industry jointly requested Congress pass a law to protect the privacy of consumers, while insulating them from being “brought to their knees” by class-action lawsuits.
Google Signs On to Consumer Privacy Petition
Google announced today that the company has signed on to a lobbying effort calling for federal consumer privacy legislation. The Mountain View, Ca. based company joins up with other technology and economic powerhouses like Microsoft, Intel, Eli Lilly, and eBay.
Tired: Sharing; New Hotness: Privacy
From del.icio.us to Google, the concept of sharing even the most detached information one generates willingly or unwillingly has far less appeal than the concept of privacy.
Privacy Experts Advice Against Google Desktop 3
The Electronic Frontier Foundation, go-to guys for legal issues in Web 2.0, have recommended against using the latest version of Google Desktop.
DOJ v. Google: Not About Porn Or Privacy
Google’s refusal to turn over a sample of search queries to the Department of Justice has caused a flurry of speculation about privacy issues, the government’s right to demand that information, what further information the government would demand, and Google’s true reasoning for denying the request. Of course, if you looked at the mainstream media coverage of the event, you might believe the issue revolves around kiddie porn and Google’s protection of it.
Google Fights for Your Privacy
According to the Mercury News, the Department of Justice has filed papers to try and force Google to comply with a subpoena issued last year which includes a request for 1 million random Web addresses and records of all Google searches from any one-week period.
Privacy Concerns May Impact Google Analytics
Business is up for one web analytics provider after Google rebranded Urchin and launched a version of it as a free service, and that could be due to privacy questions.