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Fears over Google's all-in-one privacy policy

By Stewart Mitchell

Posted on 25 Jan 2012 at 08:52

Google says it will unify the privacy policies and terms of service across its online portfolio in a bid to make them easier to understand.

According to Google, the move could help stave off attention from privacy regulators that have been calling for more clarity from companies, but greater integration of features could worry privacy campaigners.

“Despite trimming our policies in 2010, we still have more than 70 (yes, you read right... 70) privacy documents covering all of our different products,” said Alma Whitten, the company's director of privacy for product and engineering in a blog post.

There is no way a user can comprehend the implication of Google collecting across platforms for information about your health, political opinions and financial concerns

“This approach is somewhat complicated. It’s also at odds with our efforts to integrate our different products more closely.”

The company said the new policy would allow it to share data across its products more easily, and enable services to link data for personalised services.

“Our new Privacy Policy makes clear that, if you’re signed in, we may combine information you've provided from one service with information from other services,” Whitten said. “In short, we’ll treat you as a single user across all our products.

“For example, we can provide reminders that you’re going to be late for a meeting based on your location, your calendar and an understanding of what the traffic is like that day.”

However, with no option to opt out, some privacy experts believe the amalgamation is a step too far, with end users potentially being surprised that habits on one Google service could be reflected on another.

“Google’s new privacy announcement is frustrating and a little frightening,” James Steyer, chief executive of privacy rights group Common Sense Media told The Washington Post

“Even if the company believes that tracking users across all platforms improves their services, consumers should still have the option to opt out — especially the kids and teens who are avid users of YouTube, Gmail and Google Search.”

Despite Google's stated intentions, the company's access to data – from Android activations to search terms – could actually lead to increased scrutiny from regulators.

“There is no way anyone expected this,” Jeffrey Chester, executive director of privacy group Center for Digital Democracy, told the Post.

“There is no way a user can comprehend the implication of Google collecting across platforms for information about your health, political opinions and financial concerns.”

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User comments

While it does seem a bit flippant, the obvious answer is don't use goggle.

By JamesD29 on 25 Jan 2012

And?

Am I wrong to say I don't care? I think having my data available to all Google services is a good one. I use Android so anything I do on that is available on my PC. Sounds like common sense to me

By EddyOS_2K9 on 25 Jan 2012

Unconcerned

I've always wondered why this wasn't the way. I have no fear of Google knowing stuff about me in order to make my life easier, my fear is that information getting into the hands of bodies that wish me harm - and that is a political issue.

By dubiou on 25 Jan 2012

It Should Be A Choice

To the people that like the idea or don't care. Fair enough, it's your choice.

But that's the point. It should be a choice whether you share data between individual Google services or not.

You have to remember that many of these services started out as standalone products, so you might end-up in a position where data you didn't think was being shared suddenly is.

Also, whilst you can say "Don't use Google", in practise that is difficult to do. Even for Apple lovers.

By Penfolduk01 on 25 Jan 2012

It doesn't matter now days.If you don't use Google, you'll use something else and leave a digital footprint somewhere.The only real way to avoid that is to opt out of life!

By Jaberwocky on 26 Jan 2012

You can force Android to opt out

I got a 3rd party App that syncs my Outlook calendar with my phone without having to go to Google first. I already had a Gmail account under a non Google domain name but they forced me to have a Gmail email address so I could access their Android marketplace. However, I managed to delete this a few weeks later and revert to my original non-Google email. I deleted my Google calendar associated with my phone and stopped my phone from syncing with Google. I also use the Dolphin web browser to search which is never signed into Google, unlike the default Google browser on the phone. I now have full access to the Android market when I want it and as far as possible, I don't let Google dictate to me how I use their OS. I can also recommend gaining root access to your smartphone in order to switch stuff off.

By thedrumdoctor on 26 Jan 2012

^^ agree

Get over it, no matter what service you opt for your information is tracked. The Internet is NOT free, it has to make money somewhere in order to fund all those servers and T1 lines we all expect to be oup and working the moment you type anything into a browser. The eclectric Bill alone must be Titanic. I'd like to see Google setup a Meter showing a guide to how much Electric the entire web uses per second...

By Gindylow on 26 Jan 2012

Footprints

Sure, you leave a 'digital footprint' wherever you go. But having Google now collate them all into a digital journey is quite another thing altogether.

By martindaler on 26 Jan 2012

Unfriendly

The privacy policy mess is merely indicative of the total massive user unfriendliness of this company.
Altering a Google account, for example, is an adventure designed for hardened masochists. There is no way to get online phone/chat support, and what they offer is often insufficient.
You'd think a company of this scope would reach out a bit to its clients...

By yadan on 26 Jan 2012

Good idea - with no real downside

I don't use many Google products, but if I did having all the data available to use between apps must be a huge advantage. Especially people who have all their data in the cloud. Anyone who doesn't want their data merged can easily create a separate account for the data they want to keep apart from the rest. It's free after all.

By PhillipBiggs1 on 27 Jan 2012

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