Google Invading your privacy?
Thursday, February 27, 2003 by The DJ | Discussion: WinCustomize Talk
"Google collects a good deal of information about your query. It records not only what you searched for (when you activate the advanced Toolbar features), but several other pieces of information as well, including the time of day, the type of browser you're running, the language your browser uses, and your IP address. Many times, after giving you a list of Web sites that match your search, Google will also record which sites you actually visited."
"Of course, the company collects all this information if you enter a query directly into Google.com without using the Toolbar. The problem with the Toolbar is that, if the app's advanced features are running, Google also keeps a record of every single site you visit—whether you're using the app to search the Web or not."
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,904805,00.asp
Comcast ran into trouble doing something simliar keepin a record of everything you were doing.
"Of course, the company collects all this information if you enter a query directly into Google.com without using the Toolbar. The problem with the Toolbar is that, if the app's advanced features are running, Google also keeps a record of every single site you visit—whether you're using the app to search the Web or not."
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,904805,00.asp
Comcast ran into trouble doing something simliar keepin a record of everything you were doing.
The DJ
Reply #2 Thursday, February 27, 2003 6:47 PM
Reply #2 Thursday, February 27, 2003 6:47 PM
Ok, for the full article just paste this in another Explorer window
www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,904805,00.asp
www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,904805,00.asp
goodmorphing
Reply #3 Thursday, February 27, 2003 6:53 PM
Hmmmm, couldn't you just block the spy-ware stuff out?
I just shared this link (http://labs.google.com/) somewhere else, and it seemed like some of the data they collect helps develop new searches....
Reply #3 Thursday, February 27, 2003 6:53 PM
Hmmmm, couldn't you just block the spy-ware stuff out? I just shared this link (http://labs.google.com/) somewhere else, and it seemed like some of the data they collect helps develop new searches....
citats
Reply #4 Thursday, February 27, 2003 6:53 PM
Reply #4 Thursday, February 27, 2003 6:53 PM
When I installed the google search bar I read the policy... I accept them using my search info... they are not hiding anything and it clearly states that when you activate the advanced features it WILL send info to google. It's only an issue if you can't read... or like the search bar advanced features and want to use them but won't because of the policy.. aahhh
The DJ
Reply #5 Thursday, February 27, 2003 6:55 PM
Reply #5 Thursday, February 27, 2003 6:55 PM
Yeah well what about users who don't use the toolbar?
goodmorphing
Reply #6 Thursday, February 27, 2003 6:57 PM
Reply #6 Thursday, February 27, 2003 6:57 PM
I don't use a toolbar and AdAware never shows anything "Spyware".
The DJ
Reply #7 Thursday, February 27, 2003 6:59 PM
Reply #7 Thursday, February 27, 2003 6:59 PM
Neither do I goodmorphing and neither Adaware or BPS spyware/adware remover detect anything.
I also use spystopper.
I also use spystopper.
goodmorphing
Reply #8 Thursday, February 27, 2003 7:01 PM I thought the AdAware 6 (new build) was very comprehensive.
Reply #8 Thursday, February 27, 2003 7:01 PM
I thought the AdAware 6 (new build) was very comprehensive.
The DJ
Reply #9 Thursday, February 27, 2003 7:04 PM
Reply #9 Thursday, February 27, 2003 7:04 PM
They say you should use BPS syware/adware remover and Adaware in conjuction or to compliment each other because each will detect thigs the other can't.
Peff
Reply #10 Thursday, February 27, 2003 7:10 PM
Reply #10 Thursday, February 27, 2003 7:10 PM
I bought Ad-Aware Plus yesterday for the Ad-Watch component. I must say, I'm somewhat disappointed. Ad-Watch is supposed to intercept everything Ad-Aware catches, but in real time. It does catch popups, but so does webBlinds. I have run Ad-Aware several times since yesterday, and each time it catches something that Ad-Watch missed. I'm pretty sure I have it configured correctly, but it's not living up to the $26 pricetag (for the Plus) package. Ad-Aware, itself does seem very comprehensive, so you might want to stick with the freeware version.
The DJ
Reply #11 Thursday, February 27, 2003 7:12 PM
Reply #11 Thursday, February 27, 2003 7:12 PM
I don't see how those programs would catch it anyway GM when their loggin it and holding onto the data.
Hell Dragon
Reply #12 Thursday, February 27, 2003 7:47 PM
Reply #12 Thursday, February 27, 2003 7:47 PM
They only way Adware would 'catch' it, is if Lavasoft added the google dll's and toolbar to it's signature files, the very reason why they haven't yet is reason enough to believe it's not a big deal anyway.
SuperheroCanadian
Reply #13 Thursday, February 27, 2003 8:48 PM
Reply #13 Thursday, February 27, 2003 8:48 PM
google bah, by the looks of it they aret taking all ur personal information and selling it.
Let me takea stab at this. Spyware takes all the personal info u have on the computer sending it to some server so some lame company can sell it. Google it seems is just collecting internet popularity figures it. They see that sites u search for i bet yahoo, and netscape, do even worse. I wouldt sweat it too much
Let me takea stab at this. Spyware takes all the personal info u have on the computer sending it to some server so some lame company can sell it. Google it seems is just collecting internet popularity figures it. They see that sites u search for i bet yahoo, and netscape, do even worse. I wouldt sweat it too much
citats
Reply #14 Thursday, February 27, 2003 8:57 PM
Reply #14 Thursday, February 27, 2003 8:57 PM
"Google collects a good deal of information about your query. It records not only what you searched for (when you activate the advanced Toolbar features), but several other pieces of information as well, including the time of day, the type of browser you're running, the language your browser uses, and your IP address. Many times, after giving you a list of Web sites that match your search, Google will also record which sites you actually visited."
All websites know what time of day they get hits... any good websites also check what browser you are using so that they can provide you with a style sheet that is optimized for your browser. Others do it just for statistics so they can make compatible designes for the majority. Also when you connect to any server it knows your IP... an IP is not personnal never has been never will be, think of it as a license plate. Forwarding info to the next website you enter is nothing new either and usually only forwards what site you just left.
All websites know what time of day they get hits... any good websites also check what browser you are using so that they can provide you with a style sheet that is optimized for your browser. Others do it just for statistics so they can make compatible designes for the majority. Also when you connect to any server it knows your IP... an IP is not personnal never has been never will be, think of it as a license plate. Forwarding info to the next website you enter is nothing new either and usually only forwards what site you just left.
bakerstreet
Reply #15 Thursday, February 27, 2003 9:02 PM
Reply #15 Thursday, February 27, 2003 9:02 PM
I would assume that selling *your* information is a bit overstated. No doubt that whenever it is compiled you are a simple, generic 'user', not associated with an IP.
If they associated records with IPs in the final compilation of information, they would be in violation of COPPA, as i understand it. You have to *know* a user is over 13 to utilize records that include personally identifiable information (never mind that every server's logging does so, but then, what's a bit of reality in the face of stupid legislation >
).
If you are afraid someone might see that an innocent image search led to a hardcore porn wankfest, then you have bigger issues than google's privacy policy. If you aren't doing anything illegal, why sweat it?
If they associated records with IPs in the final compilation of information, they would be in violation of COPPA, as i understand it. You have to *know* a user is over 13 to utilize records that include personally identifiable information (never mind that every server's logging does so, but then, what's a bit of reality in the face of stupid legislation >
).If you are afraid someone might see that an innocent image search led to a hardcore porn wankfest, then you have bigger issues than google's privacy policy. If you aren't doing anything illegal, why sweat it?
bakerstreet
Reply #16 Thursday, February 27, 2003 9:08 PM
Reply #16 Thursday, February 27, 2003 9:08 PM
§tatic : "an IP is not personnal never has been never will be"
actually, that's not true. There are ongoing legal battles with US law enforcement and various commercial entities to force ISPs to cough up the user info for particular IP addresses. Even if you have a dynamic IP, your ISP will know who was using that addy. Verizon is appealing a court order to tell the RIAA who was swapping music on a particular IP. We'll see how it goes.
but as i said, if you aren't doing anything illegal, why sweat it?
actually, that's not true. There are ongoing legal battles with US law enforcement and various commercial entities to force ISPs to cough up the user info for particular IP addresses. Even if you have a dynamic IP, your ISP will know who was using that addy. Verizon is appealing a court order to tell the RIAA who was swapping music on a particular IP. We'll see how it goes.
but as i said, if you aren't doing anything illegal, why sweat it?
citats
Reply #17 Thursday, February 27, 2003 9:11 PM
Reply #17 Thursday, February 27, 2003 9:11 PM
My point was if you connect to any server you can see the ip from that connection. hardly secretive... on the other hand attaching a specific person to that ip... I can the complications with that.
da_zman20
Reply #18 Friday, February 28, 2003 2:18 PM
Reply #18 Friday, February 28, 2003 2:18 PM
I sweat it becaue my IP number is important... anyone who knows my IP can try to do anything to my computer from the other end... and if I own a VPN... and i am broadcasting my IP onto the net... ewwww... trouble...
Hell Dragon
Reply #19 Friday, February 28, 2003 8:23 PM
Reply #19 Friday, February 28, 2003 8:23 PM
Unless you mask it, your IP address is with you wherever you go, in every log of every website you visit, in every header of every packet you send and receive.
The internet was designed as an 'Open' network from it's very creation... better get used to the idea that your IP just isn't as hidden as you would like it to be
The internet was designed as an 'Open' network from it's very creation... better get used to the idea that your IP just isn't as hidden as you would like it to be
Doreen
Reply #20 Friday, February 28, 2003 8:39 PM
Reply #20 Friday, February 28, 2003 8:39 PM
well there are hidden cams just about everywhere you go these days (some even in public restrooms) so why should the net be any different?
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Reply #1 Thursday, February 27, 2003 6:42 PM
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,904805,00.asp