This may slightly concern privacy advocates who continue to worry about Google storing too much data about their users.
Google today updated their privacy policy document and it now says that, in addition to retaining server logs, Google may also collect information about your interaction with various Google services. Check the diff log.
Before (see Google Cache):
When you access Google services, our servers automatically record information that your browser sends whenever you visit a website. These server logs may include information such as your web request, Internet Protocol address, browser type, browser language, the date and time of your request and one or more cookies that may uniquely identify your browser.
After (see current version)
When you access Google services, our servers automatically record information that your browser sends whenever you visit a website. These server logs may include information such as your web request, Internet Protocol address, browser type, browser language, the date and time of your request and one or more cookies that may uniquely identify your browser. Also, in order to protect you from fraud, phishing, and other misconduct, we may collect information about your interaction with our services. Any such information we collect will only be used to detect and prevent fraud or other misconduct.
*The content in italics was added today.
And it may just be a coincidence that Google chose to update their privacy policy document on Data Privacy Day that received a mention on official Google blog as well.
Also see: Prevent Google from recording your search habits
Picture Credit: NewManPR
Find this article at: http://www.labnol.org/internet/google-privacy-policy-updates/6847/
Reader Comments
Thanks Amit, perhaps we need to update our blog’s privacy policy on our blog for Adsense compliance too?
Written by Piyush on 01.29.09
I’ve been a staunch believer for quite some time that our information must be stored and passed on owing to the day & age we live in. It’s the same as collecting DNA in a sense, but if we’re doing something we’re not supposed to be doing – how can that be checked and counter-checked if we don’t allow the authorities to investigate?
Our world changed some time ago and we must secure our Internet Borders the same as with our State Borders.
We have to be vigilant though honestly open minded to the pitfalls of being online and all that we have to deal with.
A Privacy Policy applies to every company to protect it’s Trademarks, Logo’s and sensitive information and we all agree on that. But for users, a lot of our information & personal details are already available to every Law Enforcement Agency at the asking and in our time, wouldn’t you want to expediate a search for someone who is wanted and get fast results! I know I would and that’s exactly why we should divulge everything about ourselves. We may keep sensitive personal aspects to ourselves but on the whole we should have an open mind that allows for the collection process.
Written by frank burns on 01.31.09