A heads-up that on March 1st, 2012, Google will be updating their privacy policies and terms and conditions. Google previously had some 70 such policies, which they are now reducing and simplifying.
What does this mean for you as a Google user? Well, Google are being very clear that if you’re signed in with a Google account (which you may well do via Google Search, YouTube, Google+, GoogleMail or any one of a number of other sites) then they may combine information gathered about you from any of those platforms.
This will present itself as you’ll see a much more integrated service from Google. So if you search for a certain technology brand, you may see search results that incorporate videos or blogs that others have shared with you on YouTube or Google+.
How to check the info Google hold about you
On the downside, not everyone is happy about these changes from a privacy perspective.
An interesting site to visit is Google.com/ads/preferences. From here you are shown the type of ads you’ll be served up with on Google sites, based on the assumptions Google have made from the data they’ve collected about you.
This can be a little hit and miss. If you see the screenshot below, Google has correctly guessed I’m a 35-44 year old Male, and that I like Business & Industrial, Computers & Electronics and so on. But I’ve got zero interest in some of the other topics it suggests for me.
Google isn’t always so clever though. One young lady I know was listed as a 35-44 Male… Thankfully you can remove or edit these topics or information, or indeed, Opt-Out of these targeted advertisements altogether.
Be Aware of the value of your data
For the majority of people, they’re totally ignorant to the fact that companies like Google and Facebook are using our private information in this way. For others (myself included) I’m comfortable with this provided I know how the information is used.
It goes back to the saying – “If you don’t pay for a service, you are the product”.
As long as you’re aware of that and the implications, there’s no problem.
Richard Tubb is one of the best-known experts within the global IT Managed Service Provider (MSP) community. He launched and sold his own MSP business before creating a leading MSP media and consultancy practice. Richard helps IT business owner’s take back control by freeing up their time and building a business that can run without them. He’s the author of the book “The IT Business Owner’s Survival Guide” and writer of the award-winning blog www.tubblog.co.uk
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Comments
4 thoughts on Google Privacy Updates and the Information Google hold about you
MATT
20TH FEBRUARY 2012 11:45:23
Thanks for the info, I really liked checking out Google's add preferences for me, limited but what they had was pretty accurate.
RICHARD TUBB
20TH FEBRUARY 2012 12:28:43
Matt - thanks, glad you liked the article!
OWEN
20TH FEBRUARY 2012 18:16:04
I am flattered, not only are they fairly accurate in my interests they report my age to be 10 years younger. I guess that means I am young at heart or at least I break the Google interpretation of what a person of my age should be searching for, those darn young people, will get it right eventually. It gave me a chance to review the items I search on line for, perhaps I spend too much time in certain areas. It will be interesting to see what differences my Google preferences will present five or ten years hence. Scary, and interesting, Great article Richard enjoyed it on this Fine Family Holiday Day.
RICHARD TUBB
20TH FEBRUARY 2012 18:22:29
Owen - I had another friend complain today that Google had her age noted as 35-44 and she's not actually 35 yet. Google is braver than I would be to guess a ladies age. ;-)