GOOGLES NEW PRIVACY POLICY

Deirdre Byrne April 3, 2012 CO 220: Section 51 Googles New Privacy Policy

GOOGLES NEW PRIVACY POLICY Abstract This paper looks into various articles that analyze the implications of Googles new privacy policy enacted on March 1. In the article, New Google Privacy Policy Allows Even More Access to Personal Information, the Associated Press (2012) discusses why the policy was

created and what it means. Google believes since the policy combines over 60 of its policies into one, it simplifies its users web browsing experience by personalizing all products a user utilizes. However, many groups are against this policy because they believe it violates privacy regulations. Google insists the change is legal; although there is no option for one to opt out of the new policy, Google only collects and distributes information that the user directly provides and maintains to keep private information confidential. Still the Electronic Privacy Information Center, the Commission Nationale de l' Informatique et des Liberts, officials from Japan, and more organizations believe Googles tactics are deceptive ways of granting itself permission to use a persons personal information for target marketing. On February 23, the Obama Administration announced its new Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights, urging corporations to include a Do-Not-Track technology on their websites to reduce tracking personal information. Google is willing to accept this bill that protects an individuals right to confidentiality on the Internet.

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Googles New Privacy Policy One of the biggest issues facing American electronic media is the new privacy policy Google enacted on March 1. Billions of people around the world access Google every day to use its search engine, watch videos, upload documents, and much more. Google has millions of users on its products like YouTube, Gmail, Google Maps, and Google+. The announcement of Googles new policy change on January 24, 2012 has spurred mixed opinions. In the article, New Google Privacy Policy Allows Even More Access to Personal Information, the Associated Press (2012) reports that Google already has access to much of its users internet history, but the new privacy policy combines over 60 policies so it will be able to throw all the data it gathers about each of its logged-in users into personal dossiers. The reason for this change is because Google believes it allows for a simpler user experience and it will help the company focus on selling advertisements, since its advertisers bring in about $38 billion per year. Even if a person is not a Google user, there is no complete way to stop Google from tracking a persons web history due to I.P. Addresses. Google insists that this policy is legal and its officials met with the Federal Trade Commission, (FTC) which regulates a consent order for users to allow Google to handle their personal information every other year, and prohibits Google from deceitfully using personal information. However, the FTC has not disclosed whether or not Googles revisions to their policy comply with the consent order (Associated Press, 2012). There are two sides of opposing viewpoints in regards to Googles new policy: (a) it makes it easier for users to browse the web based on personal interest; (b) Google is invading users privacy rights, making it possible for companies to access a persons profile in an attempt to sell advertisements.

GOOGLES NEW PRIVACY POLICY Googles Collection of Information In Googles Privacy Policy, under the websites section Policies & Principles, Google insists that by sharing information on a Google Account, Google can use that information to connect people to advertisements relevant to their interests and make sharing content between

people faster and more efficient. Part of the policy states, As you use our services, we want you to be clear how were using information and the ways in which you can protect your privacy (Google, 2012). CEO of Google, Larry Page says that by connecting users with their own personal interests, and getting a deeper understanding of users on a personal level, Google, as a company, can understand how to better improve their products. Page says, Google recently updated its search results to display privately-shared content, such as photos or Google+ posts, alongside public information in an effort, in Googles words to [transform] Google into a search engine that understands not only content, but also people and relationships (Bosker, 2012). The reason for Google reducing over 60 policies into one is because one policy is simpler and faster for users to read. Director of Googles Privacy, Alma Whitten says Google can provide reminders that youre going to be late for a meeting based on your location, your calendar and an easier understanding of what the traffic is like that dayPeople still have to do way too much heavy lifting, and we want to do a better job of helping them out (Bosker, 2012). Personalization is the key for Googles collection of information. The Privacy Policy states that the only information collected is information users provide1 and information received from a persons use of any Googles service2 (Google, 2012). The point of collecting information is to treat users as a single user across all of its products. For example, this will save users time when they use the search engine and look up a Jaguar.
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Personal information provided when one signs up for a Google Account; like name, email, phone number, credit card (Google, 2012). This information is collected through things like when a person visits a website that may use Googles advertisement services, or when a person views Googles advertisements and content through the following: Device information; log information (includes a persons search queries, telephony log information likephone numberrouting information and types of calls (Google, 2012)

GOOGLES NEW PRIVACY POLICY Perhaps this user watched videos of the car, Jaguar, causing Google to understand the user is not looking for the animal; as a result, this policy will limit search results not applicable to the

user (Google Privacy, 2012). If Google uses information about a user for reasons not outlined in the Privacy Policy, Google insists it will ask for consent beforehand. However, for legal purposes, it will share personal information with companies outside of Google if [Google has] good-faith belief that access, use, preservation, or disclosure of the information is reasonable and necessary to: meet any applicable law.enforce applicable Terms of Service.address fraud, security or technical issues (Google, 2012). Google ensures confidentiality if it may so choose to share non-personally identifiable information publicly and with [its] partnerslike publishers, advertisers or connected sites (Google, 2012). Overall, the collection of user information will help Google make a complete profile of the people who use the products it offers (Bosker, 2012). Objections to Googles New Policy Googles consent order by the FTC was filed because last year the companys launch of Google Buzz3 had used deceptive tactics and violated its own privacy policies (Bosker, 2012). Thus, Google is forced to abide by the consent order, meaning they have agreed to submit independent privacy audits for the following 20 years (Bosker, 2012). The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) filed a lawsuit against Google asking a Washington, D.C. district court judge to restrain Google from making the policy change on March 1. EPIC also asked the judge to order the [FTC] to enforce a standing court order that prohibits Google from misrepresenting its privacy policies (Acohido, 2012). Marc Rotenberg, Director Executive of EPIC, believes Google has gone too far with this policy since it essentially allows Google to grant itself permission to move user information across many different types of services. One
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Google created it as a social network, added it onto 176 million Gmail accounts without asking for consent (Acohido, 2012).

GOOGLES NEW PRIVACY POLICY has different privacy expectations for YouTube than one may have for Googles search engine

(BloombergLaw, 2012). Rotenberg thinks this policy is a repeat of Googles deceptive practices it used with Google Buzz since the policy is about combining data across the entire Google platform, even after [Google] made subject to the consent order (Alcohido, 2012). Google spokesman, Chris Gaither insists the policy does not change how it shares information and the visibility of a users personal information. In a private meeting with 10 members of congress and two Google Executives, Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, said he was disturbed by the executives answers to questions about users inability to delete data from sensitive e-mails or data that reveals visits to certain websites, such as one with information about cervical cancer (Alcohido, 2012). Ultimately, a federal judge said the courts do not have authority to make the FTC tell Google how it must be regulated. The FTC insists it constantly checks to make sure its consent orders are being adhered to (Associated Press, 2012). A French regulatory agency, the Commission Nationale de l' Informatique et des Liberts (CNIL) wrote to Page with a warning that the new policy violates the European Union [EU]s strict data-protection rules (Associated Press, 2012). They feel the policy is vague, and raises legitimate concerns about the protection of the personal data of European citizens (Klimas, 2012). CNIL believes Page should postpone implementing this policy since the EU has over 90 percent of market share with Googles search engine (Klimas, 2012). Google rejected CNILs request to hold off on the policy, but they also assured CNIL they would warn users before the policy went underway. However, according to Big Brother Watch, in a poll of 2,000 people, only 12 percent of Google respondents claimed to have read the new policy change agreement (Google Privacy Changes in Breach of EU Law," 2012).

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The Japanese Ministry of International Affairs and Communication does not believe Google is breaking the law, but they are concerned conflict may arise later with the policies concerning the collection and distribution of data to a third party, or with maintaining the protection of confidentiality. These concerns are related to Japans data protection law, Personal Information Protection Act or Law no. 57 of 2003;4 and article four, the protection of secrecy of the Telecommunications Business Law from 19845 (Walton, 2012). According to The Tokyo Times, the Japanese Government is asking Google for specific clarification of its new policy, and Google believes the policy correlates with Japans laws (Walton, 2012). A group of 36 attorney generals in the United States wrote a letter to Page insisting that the new policy is an invasion of privacy (Associated Press, 2012). They express concerns about how this policy will impact consumers and government workers. Many technology experts are offering solutions to Google users on how to limit Google from tracking personal information (Lipowicz, 2012). The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF)6 has published a guide teaching Google users how to disable history from their account. EFF admits this will not completely eliminate Google from tracking users, but With Web History enabled, Google will keep...record indefinitely; with it disabled, they will be partially anonymized after 18 months, andcustomized search results, will be prevented (Stenovec, 2012). For now, EFF believes limiting browsing history is the closest solution to maintaining online privacy. The White Houses Involvement On February 23, 2012, President Barack Obama proposed a new Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights. With federal lawmakers across the country proposing legislation for Googles new

Created to protect the rights and interests of individuals while taking consideration of the usefulness of personal information due to the development and advanced information and communications society (Walton, 2012). 5 (1) The secrecy of communications being handled by a telecommunications carrier shall not be violated. (2) Any person engage d in the telecommunications business shall, while in office, maintain the secrets of others that have come to be known with respect to communications being handled by the telecommunications carrier. (Walton, 2012). 6 A non-profit advocacy group and legal organization that focuses on digital rights and privacy (Stenovec, 2012).
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GOOGLES NEW PRIVACY POLICY privacy policy, the guidelines outlined in this new bill urge companies to require a Do-NotTrack button on their browsers to ensure less tracking activities (Kang, 2012). The Obama Administration states in the press release, The Commerce Department will begin convening companies, privacy advocates and other stakeholders to develop and implement enforceable privacy policies based on the Consumer Bill of Rights (Office of the Press Secretary, 2012). FTC will be in charge of making sure companies providing over 90 percent of advertisements online (like Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, etc.), adhere to this bill. Obama believes for the digital economy to continue thriving, consumer trust is essential (Office of the Press Secretary, 2012). The elements within the bill increase interoperability between the U.S. consumer data privacy

framework and thoseinternational partners (Ngat, 2012). This helps improve communication issues between online media corporations around the world. Thus, the Consumer Bill of Rights ensures the right of Individual Control, meaning citizens control what information an organization can collect and how the information is used (Office of the Press Secretary, 2012). The bill also maintains citizens transparency,7 respect for context,8 security,9 access and accuracy,10 focused collection,11 and accountability12 (Office of the Press Secretary, 2012). According to industry officials, previously when this bill was being adapted, Google was opposed to it, but now Google is open to enacting a Do-Not-Track technology and has proposed to add a button for it to Google Chromes browser. A professor at Boston Universitys College of Communications, T. Barton Carter believes that these actions taken by the government may reduce privacy protection since they limit the political pressure of writing serious legislation, which includes a Do-Not-Track law. He believes the companies
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The right to understand privacy and security information Right to know what kind of information companies are collecting/using, and disclosing private information in a way in that abides with how the consumers provide data 9 A right for responsibility and security of ones personal information 10 Right to access and edit personal information about personal data especially if the data is inaccurate 11 Right to limit the amount of personal data that is collected by companies 12 Right to make sure that ones personal data is handled by companies with respect and they must adhere to Consumer Privacy Bil l of Rights

GOOGLES NEW PRIVACY POLICY track records on privacy do not instill confidence that they are not appropriate guardians of consumer privacy (Kang, 2012). However, a Do-Not-Track button will not stop all web marketing; data can still be collecting through market research (like when one clicks like on a Facebook page), and the police can collect personal information as well (Bloomberg, 2012). Meanwhile, the Commerce Departments National Telecommunications and Information

Administration insists it will work with Congress to develop legislation based on these rights to promote trust in the digital economy and extend baseline privacy protections to commercial sectors that existing federal privacy laws do not cover (Office of the Press Secretary, 2012). There is still room for many changes and clarification with this bill. Conclusion Googles new privacy policy enacted on March 1, 2012 is starting to affect millions of users around the world. Google believes the policy simplifies its users browsing experience by personalizing their web experience; however, analysts debate whether this policy violates privacy rights. Although Google insists it combined over 60 of its policies to make this policy concise and efficient, many groups find the policy to be vague and difficult to understand. With Obamas Consumer Bill of Rights it seems the government is actively getting involved in protecting peoples privacy rights, but there are still implications suggesting the Do-Not-Track technology does not completely eliminate the collection of personal data. Media is constantly evolving and new policies are always going to overtake the old ones. This shift into a new policy provokes different arguments, but ultimately people will soon be adjusted to the change. With current advancements in the internet pushing for sharing and utilizing social networking sites, it appears there is no perfect way to protect privacy on the internet.

GOOGLES NEW PRIVACY POLICY References Acohido, B. (2012). Group urges FTC action on Google privacy. USA Today.

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<http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/story/2012-02-08/google-privacy-ftc/53014496/1>. Associated Press. (2012). New Google privacy policy allows even more access to personal information. Fox News Network.<http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2012/03/01/newgoogle-privacy-policy-allows-even-more-access-to-personal-information/>. Google. (2012) Policies & Principles. Google. <http://www.google.com/policies/privacy/>. Bloomberg. (2012). Google to allow 'do-not-track' button in browser. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAM0CiE7R6c>. BloombergLaw. (2012). Google's Privacy Changes: What users should know. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNnXxKKB0WE>. Google Privacy Changes 'in Breach of EU Law. (2012). BBC News: Technology. <http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-17205754>. Google Privacy. (2012). Google privacy policy update. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGghlPmebCY>. Kang, C. (2012). Web privacy guidelines viewed as win for Google. The Washington Post. Klimas, L. (2012). French Regulator: Googles new privacy policy violates EU standards. The Blaze. <http://www.theblaze.com/stories/french-regulator-googles-new-privacy-policyviolates-eu-standards/>. Lipowicz, A. (2012). Google's new privacy policy went into effect March 1Federal Computer Week. Federal Computer Week: Strategy and Business Management for Government Leaders. <http://fcw.com/Articles/2012/03/01/Tips-to-keep-Google-from-trackingyou.aspx?Page=1>.

GOOGLES NEW PRIVACY POLICY Ngak, C. (2012). Obama's "Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights" tackles online privacy concerns. CBSNews. <http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-501465_162-57383881-501465/obamasconsumer-privacy-bill-of-rights-tackles-online-privacy-concerns/>. Stenovec, Timothy. "Google Privacy Policy Changes: How To Prevent Google From Tracking

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Your Web History." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 29 Feb. 2012. Web. 30 Mar. 2012. Office of Press Secretary. (2012) We cant wait: Obama administration unveils blueprint for a Privacy Bill of Rights to protect consumers online. The White House: President Barack Obama. <http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/02/23/we-can-t-wait-obamaadministration-unveils-blueprint-privacy-bill-rights>. Walton, Z. (2012) New Google privacy policy has Japan concerned. WebProNews / Life. <http://www.webpronews.com/new-google-privacy-policy-has-japan-concerned-201203>.