Google’s Privacy Missteps
Written by Derek Bolen, February 22nd, 2012
Google continues to precariously navigate the privacy minefield with the latest development coming to light. According to Microsoft and Apple, Google has been circumventing privacy protections in the iPhone’s Safari browser and Microsoft Internet Explorer to collect data on user’s web browsing habits.
Essentially, Google was embedding a hidden form on its sites that granted authorization for Google to store tracking cookies on user devices, which in turn enabled them to serve customized ads based on sites visited. This was happening even if users had explicitly blocked third party cookies. Google maintains it was only exploiting a ‘known workaround’ also used by sites such as Facebook and Amazon, and engaging in necessary practices to provide modern web functionality. Google has since halted the practice, but not before the FTC was asked to investigate and multiple lawsuits were filed, alleging Google violated federal wiretapping laws.
Google’s ongoing privacy blunders continue even after they entered a consent agreement with the FTC in October of last year, preventing them from misrepresenting their privacy policies, and requiring Google to implement a privacy program and have their privacy controls checked by an independent third party every two years. So what does this mean for you? Probably not much, but it serves as a reminder of the growing privacy concerns we face every day with our increased reliance in the Internet. We remind our readers to always be vigilant about the data that could be collected about you!
How do you feel about Google’s privacy policies, and what steps do you take to protect you and your family on the internet?
