In an article from USA TODAY COLLEGE, the changes to the new policy are briefly summarized in an easy-to-read format. Considering how frequently I use Google, I know I should get around to reading the full version at some point, but for now, this article does a great job of communicating the basic gist of the changes.
Basically, the biggest change is that Google will share the information of Google account users with all of Google's services. Based on our in-class discussions, this was something that I'd assumed was already in effect (considering the 'monopoly of Google,' I figured that information that Google the search engine knew about me was also shared with Google services like Blogger and YouTube). But apparently that's just starting today.
Google Director of Privacy Alma Whitten said in a blog post that this new protocol "will mean a simpler, more intuitive Google experience." Hmmm...seems to me like Google is pretty darn simple and intuitive already without additional data sharing.
Some things of more obvious benefit are supposed greater clarity in how users can control what information is being shared and what ads are being shown (through Google Dashboard and the Ads Preferences Manager).
Additionally, the new policy better explains the lag between a user deleting information and it being removed from backup systems: to "maintain our services in a manner that protects information from accidental or malicious destruction." Whether this is actually true or just elaborately scripted jargon is another matter entirely (and yes, I'm being cynical).
For those paranoid Google users who want to know exactly what the 'Google gods' know about us now that they might not have before, check out this interactive view of the policy changes Google has undergone from 2000 to the present day. The policy changes are highlighted in yellow, so it's super easy to read! Even a busy college student has a few minutes to look it over.
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