Google announces privacy settings change across products; users can't opt out

reply to post by Dreamwatcher


You should start a new thread for this discussion.
Where your time will be appreciated.
Unfortunately it seems there are a lot of people caught up in Maestro's net.
But I'm willing to listen to anyone's ideas if they think may have a way to wriggle out of it.

Buy the way, I was reading into Linux last night. They're toast! Whether I read a rumor, I'm not sure?
I'll go find that page I was reading last night and link it if anyone is interested.

But, I still think tech discussions need another thread in it's proper place.
I'm getting close to my 20 posts but, but I won't worry about it unless someone asks me to.


Simple fix folks - If it goes online? Throw it out the window.

reply to post by LerroyJenkins


Just so you know Tonya, I have cancelled Netflix, Paypal. Ebay, Gmail, Youtube, and the rest of these damn sites.

Yeah, they already track us, I give you that, but Google is now the Big Brother of the internet, and I'm just tired. I can't even get anything they keep buying up without having to use my email, which I NEVER do, and then for all new gmail accounts you have to give them a phone number.

Thanks, but no thanks. Verifying my identity though my cell is a no-no.

We have all walked into this trap. Knowingly or not.

At this point, closing accounts really won't "solve" anything.
What it will do, unfortunately, is make you even more of a target.

Think of it this way, Hitler wasn't able to accomplish what he did by illiminating the weak and feeble minded first. He took down the "smart" people first, before they had a chance to throw a monkey wrench in his plans. He saved the masses for experiments, free labor, and to make himself feel like a really clever guy!

Personally, I can't decide whether to just willingly march into Google's gas chamber because I know, it's really to late for any sort of evasive technical warfare. Or, listen to my own advice, shut the heck up and throw the computer out the window. I hate sounding like an insufferable know-it-all. But, I really can see this for what it is. My Dad is the most brilliant man I know, I started working on computers with him when I was 6 years old. The first program I wrote played tic-tac-toe off of a cassette tape. Really! My first taste of "virtual" communication was using Bates college's "dial-up" networking with Dartmouth college students when I was 16.

Anyways - I commend you for taking the time to do whatever you could to not "fall in line".
Doing anything is better than doing nothing at all I suppose.

Well, this is post 20 for me.
Will balloons fall from the ceiling when I click reply?

Mod's if you read this, where is a good place to start a tech thread for this issue?

reply to post by Tonya


Tonya,

I am far from rude so I must reply to your directed statement. People fail to realize that US citizens are entitled to be individuals not socialist sheeple. I was not raised like most of these new ATS'ers were and therefore I do not share most of the views, beliefs and politics of the 99%.

It is funny how I made a handful of people millionaires by suggesting that they watch Google from 1998-2005. I remember saying this company is going to become a MONSTER and astronomically surpass Yahoo as their name Google is an astronomical numeric value. Back in the 1970's,1980's,1990's and early 2000's my stock picks were dead accurate due to the diligent research work that went into figuring out companies like Google's potential, not to mention the markets were still grounded back then.

There is a lot of power within a name....but least I digress...

reply to post by maestromason


And I thank you for your reply, I'm almost honored.
And I'm listening.

I like to think that I have a different views of the whole 99% v/s the 1% as well.
Actually I think the entire occupy bologna was a deliberately provoked and planned trial run. I may not be a millionaire, shucks man I'm a single Mum with 3 kids and I drive a rust bucket, but I have made my own way with out going on welfare. I believe in the days that you speak of. Back when people actually took pride in earning their keep in this country. We are the choices we make, right?

I won't scoff at you for having a lot of money. As a matter of fact I think it's downright cool to find Daddy Warbucks on this site! But I like to think I'm smart enough to tell you I value your input more than I value your stocks. Is that a reasonable thing to say?

~~~~Staying on topic, my Dad had told me about the "Name" - Google. I am interested in knowing what you think will happen now. Google doesn't give a crap about our money anymore or where we buy our undies online! Right? Now that people are gonna start back-pedaling like mad - we've all got to scatter to some where ...??? Too many people are dependent on "access" to even meet their basic functions. I seriously doubt they will throw the Ipad they got for Christmas out their window! I for one still put a paper check in the mail to pay my electric bill...jus saying. BUT...once the Google brush fire starts raging, the masses are gonna get smoked out. What I worry about is who is going to waiting at the perimeter of that fire and what kind of "net" they will be holding.

I gotta scram for now, but I'll look forward to your reply this evening, that is if you are still interested in our discussion of course. Alright man, thanks again.

reply to post by Tonya



As for Google...there is an old saying that pressure busts pipes and given enough pressure from the public end-usership changes are definitely inevitable. Google is only as big as its user base and once people start to realize that their privacy has been compromised through word of mouth propaganda Google will end up reversing and revising its terms to save their bottom line. Now you will always have a percentage of end-users that will continue to use their service regardless of whether their privacy is at risk of disclosure or not, these are brand loyal users and are as immutable as natural law.

The net that Google has cast has a targeted demographic that has been conditioned overtime to accept things as they are without question, but has intentionally caught most due to the moron factor. Companies Terms of Service agreements(ToS) are specifically compiled to disclose the rules and regulations of a service in a certain way as not to bring interest in reading past the 2nd paragraph. It is this moron factor that Google counts on to disinterest their end-user base into just checking the "agree" box and to start blindly using the service, not knowing that the TOS is as legally binding as any signed contract in a judicial court of law.

So even with Google's announcement regarding their privacy setting changes the moron factor will ensure that Google's ship sails full steam ahead for many years if not generations to come. The moron factor is solidly based in statistical science and is always factored into every conceivable metric of every marketing model ever manufactured(at least the best ones are). These are undisputed facts!

Oh joy, what with this and the cell network O2 allowing various organisations get our mobile numbers I feel real safe in my bed.
Next Step, toilet roll that runs a DNA sequence 'to ensure we are healthy'!!!!

1984 here we come

I havent read this post as I am a little short on time today. Pardon me please if this has already been brought up, but dont you have to be signed in for them to track you and tie all your info to you? It would seem simple just to not sign into your google account so you can continue to use the search engine if this is the case.

reply to post by DerbyCityLights


The search engine logs your IP address so no you do not have to log into your email account.

My cousin logged into his Google account and went to Youtube and they automatically logged him in Youtube WITH HIS GOOGLE ACCOUNT!

Here is an update on the story if anyone's interested:

House lawmakers seek Google answers on privacy policy

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Lawmakers on the House Energy and Commerce Committee asked Google Inc on Thursday to provide answers about recent changes to the search engine's privacy policy.

In a letter to Google Chief Executive Larry Page, the lawmakers said the company's announcement "raises questions about whether consumers can opt-out of the new data sharing system either globally or on a product-by-product basis."

reply to post by Corruption Exposed


Wow that certainly is good news, my guess is the lawmakers know that their information and search history will be subject to scrutiny, my guess is they were searching for "WMDs, Frame, Iran.."

reply to post by Corruption Exposed


Thanks Corruption Exposed!

Data sharing?......DATA MINING is more like it....oh hold on...I guess if you AGREE to it, it is sharing after all....see what I mean with their trickery and word play?

Makes me want to sell my stock in Google...but I will wait until I retire in 2018!!!

reply to post by THE_PROFESSIONAL


Good point, I sure didn't think of that but it most likely has some truth to it

My first thought was that this is just election time theatrics, but it definitely could be a ploy to cover up their footsteps. I personally don't believe for one second that they would care on our (the regular citizen) behalf.

Yesterday and today, I have been getting "notices" from Google (USA email accounts) about the new policy.

kinda vague.

"""
Dear Google user,
We're getting rid of over 60 different privacy policies across Google and replacing them with one that's a lot shorter and easier to read. Our new policy covers multiple products and features, reflecting our desire to create one beautifully simple and intuitive experience across Google.
We believe this stuff matters, so please take a few minutes to read our updated Privacy Policy and Terms of Service at www.google.com... These changes will take effect on March 1, 2012.

One policy, one Google experience
________________________________________
Easy to work across Google
Our new policy reflects a single product experience that does what you need, when you want it to. Whether reading an email that reminds you to schedule a family get-together or finding a favorite video that you want to share, we want to ensure you can move across Gmail, Calendar, Search, YouTube, or whatever your life calls for with ease. Tailored for you
If you're signed into Google, we can do things like suggest search queries – or tailor your search results – based on the interests you've expressed in Google+, Gmail, and YouTube. We'll better understand which version of Pink or Jaguar you're searching for and get you those results faster. Easy to share and collaborate
When you post or create a document online, you often want others to see and contribute. By remembering the contact information of the people you want to share with, we make it easy for you to share in any Google product or service with minimal clicks and errors.
________________________________________
Protecting your privacy hasn't changed
Our goal is to provide you with as much transparency and choice as possible, through products like Google Dashboard and Ads Preferences Manager, alongside other tools. Our privacy principles remain unchanged. And we'll never sell your personal information or share it without your permission (other than rare circumstances like valid legal requests). Understand how Google uses your data
If you want to learn more about your data on Google and across the web, including tips and advice for staying safe online, check out www.google.com...
Got questions?
We got answers.
Visit our FAQ at www.google.com... to read more about the changes. (We figured our users might have a question or twenty-two.)
________________________________________
Notice of Change
March 1, 2012 is when the new Privacy Policy and Terms will come into effect. If you choose to keep using Google once the change occurs, you will be doing so under the new Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Please do not reply to this email. Mail sent to this address cannot be answered. Also, never enter your Google Account password after following a link in an email or chat to an untrusted site. Instead, go directly to the site, such as mail.google.com or www.google.com/accounts. Google will never email you to ask for your password or other sensitive information.

/"""

reply to post by maestromason


I just got home from a tympanoplasty (eardrum reconstruction)...so I'm a little loopy. There is strangely some comfort in reading you here tonight. I can't help but giggle a bit about "the moron factor" but...I guess to try find some compassion for the poor masses, not everyone has had the option to "know" or understand the inevitable evils of the internet. I was lucky enough to have an incredible Dad who I give all credit that is due.

But your prediction sounds solid and it makes sense. If you read anything on the other threads I've written on here thus far, I'm just spooked by whatever the future may hold man, and it's intensified by the love I know for my kids. Seeing this swing in internet privacy on Google has got me a little jumpy I think. My whole reason for coming here was to get more grounded, not more nutty. You see? Hearing when you plan to retire, I guess you don't necessarily see the world ending anytime soon, right? Please don't think I'm a ding-a-ling. Just a Mum concerned about what the future holds for my children. Should Devin waste his college education on becoming diesel mechanic...? Should my daughter direct her mathematics talents to be an engineer, or a NASA rocket scientist. And MOSTLY should I continue to let my youngest, Cody (who is autistic and will probably always be at my side) continue to cross-reference current events with ancient alien theories.

I know this has nothing to do with Google, but Devin is reading over my shoulder here. We want to ask that if we started a thread about the Mason's, would you join us there? I know it's a crazy issue to bring up on a board like this and I don't want to put you on the spot, but would you mind? It's perfectly okay if you'd prefer not, but just so you know we are really not planning to strap you to a whipping post, we just know there is a lot of disinformation surrounding the mason's and I have a feeling you might be a solid source for our (and his) curiosity. If it helps, we are not ding-a-lings. Devin is actually writing his Senior thesis about...Freemasons. Believe it or not! Sooooo...yeah. We would certainly understand a decline on this site if the answer is NO WAY!!! We don't mean to impose.

I'm ready to change subjects soon and I'm not seeing little interest in my technical advice.
For whatever it is worth....>shrug< Got any predictions for stocks in computer programmers?
Alright I'm going to go put my sorry bum to bed, cuddle a kid or 2, and wait to see if I will recover any of my hearing. At least in that ear.

So I will gracefully bow out of this thread, with a little a little curtsy and a smile a wish everyone here luck in the days or years ahead!

Keep an eye out for any of my threads man, you will always be welcomed!
Goodnight to ya & thanks again for the discourse.

reply to post by LadyGreenEyes


Who uses their real name for anything? Seriously. I have ten alias emails on a variety of email service providers.

I do see though that Google now wants your cell number so if you have lost your password and don't have an alternate email account, they will text you your temp password. Even when I set up my new computers I have nothing identifying my real name to the id of the computer.

At least you are getting something out of it.

Google makes quite a few great products.

I enjoy using them.

Originally posted by maestromason
reply to post by DerbyCityLights

 

The search engine logs your IP address so no you do not have to log into your email account.

My cousin logged into his Google account and went to Youtube and they automatically logged him in Youtube WITH HIS GOOGLE ACCOUNT!

Right, but Google owns YouTube. If you log into anything Google, you log into every Google account that you have. That is kind of my question. If you don't log in and you don't use a static IP, can they still tie your queries to you? It seems to me that this entire issue relies on us actually logging in to anything Google.

reply to post by Tonya



We may have all walked into this trap, but there is nothing that says we cant make tracks and get out.

Closing accounts does something. It makes a statement. A stand. That use to mean something. After thinking long and hard for 3 days, the infamous google emails that have been appearing dictating to me they can now justify coming in, reading and analyzing my data and do with it what they will and store it forever on their cloud. I've had enough.

Let me explain something Tonya. I'm tired of all of the b.s. People need to man up and go back to the good old days of analog. For the first time in my life for the last two months I haven't had a phone, cell or landline. I paid the bill with the company, and they made an error on their side even though I paid the 50 bucks in full for service. They decided I owed them 25 more dollars for their screwup. I told them go back and pro-rate it. They said they couldn't and they don't have the power. I said clearly, either fix it or lose me as a customer after a lot of years. They said okay, we are going to fix it. The following day, while handling business with a client, my phone service shuts off. I get this message "Pursuant to Section 16 of our terms and conditions, we are terminating your service, as of this notice, due to excessive and/or burdensome useage." Granted, I had an unlimted contract with all the bells and whistles and never exceeded maybe 2000 minutes a month on either line combined. Why haven't I gotten another phone? Simple....there isn't one in the United States that has a fair untaxed no-contract GSM quadband service that works within thee parameters of this region. Why overpay and go into debt and not be happy. It's called taking a stand.

If taking a stand makes me a target by walking away, then fine.

Hitler was able to accomplish most of his misgivings by crashing the economy, killing the unions, the educational sector by firing competent qualified teachers, and then killing off the arts and sciences. It wasn't that he took smart people out first. He took out the sustainability and normalacy of people's lives and hit them where it hurt: financially. If the government supports google on this since we already live in a fascist state, this would be a logical conclusion. Doesn't mean I have to participate as a forced experiment.

This is a matter of consciousness. Since early last year I have started to subconsciously detatch from the internet. I go literally on 5 sites a day, mostly news, here, and maybe email if I feel like checking it. Having a cpu is one thing, but the internet is a different issue totally.

I am thinking by May I probably will be off ATS and the rest of the internet totally. I have cancelled Paypal, and everything else that is designed to get all my personal info. It wasn't painful. In fact, I thank google for being the A-hole big brother archtypes right now. It's forcing me to follow my guy instinct and completely go off the radar.

I build cpus. Eventually, that is going to be a dying trade as the sheeple jump aboard Google's cloud, Apple's cloud, and microsoft eventually making everybody having internet in order to just log in to the operating system. It's coming sooner than the sheeple think. At that point, I will be on my old winxp machine with no internet, playing SMB on an emulator in peace.

It's been a while since I was into anything "digital". Once an avid videogamer, I recently just sold all of my consoles because the games are now made for multiplayer online instead of the damn story. I found since having my ps3, I had only bought 4 games that were actually worth something, the rest repetitive drivel, filled with unnecessary trophies and the lot all designed to update to google, or fb, or whatever.

I'm just done. Google put a nail in the coffin.

Good job on getting to 20 posts. No balloons unfortunately. Might be a virus if you see any.

Google fought hard to defeat SOPA ..+1 for Google.