Google has made a lot of changes in privacy policies in the last few weeks and all of them are being criticized by most of its users. Some claim that Google is turning to the dark side of business and ruining its “Don’t be evil” motto.
About 2 weeks ago, Google announced widely that it will start linking user data across 60 of its services like Gmail, Youtube, Google Docs, personalized search and many more. Over 60 privacy guidelines of those services will be consolidated into one main privacy policy. Users will have no choice to opt out of these changes and they must allow Google to sharing data among its services. Then, they will know what content you consume on Youtube, Search or Google Reader, those information will be sent to Google’s advertising networks including AdSense, AdWords and DoubleClick to optimize targeted ads. In terms of business, I do not think Google is evil because the change totally makes commercial sense. This is business and Google has all the rights to make use of personal information from its users to create more value. However, this is against their promise of respecting users, Google should have an option for users to opt out of the cross data sharing. The argument did not stop there as Google is making another policy change today.
Will you sell Privacy for $25 Amazon Gift Card?
Google has announced a new policy change named Screenwise and users will have a choice this time. We can opt in this project and receive up to $25 in Amazon gift card but this is not an one-time payment. The first $5 gift card code will be sent instantly and we will receive next 4 gift cards every 3 months. It is noted that Amazon is not the sponsor of this project, Google chose Amazon just because it will be easy to send the gift card code online.
There are some requirements for users to qualify for this project, users must be at least 13 years old, have a Google account and use Google Chrome for web browsing. Besides, they also need to sign up here and download the Google Screenwise browser extension, this will go along with the agreement that you accept Google to collect websites you visit and how you use them.
You must be wondering why Google need to pay for the project while they can keep track of your browsing habits and history from Google Chrome users. The answer is that they want more than that, the project will increase the web browser market share of Google Chrome and moreover, the Screenwise extension absolutely will collect a massive amount of user data that will serve their advertising systems better. Undoubtedly, Google is trying to wriggle into every aspect of our lives and the data collection is inevitable.
What do you think about the $25 Google gives users in exchange for their online privacy? Will you opt in the Screenwise project to get the money?
Daniel says
Definitely it is a nice thing/contest-like we should take part in. However, at the time I hit the link you mentioned in the post, there was only a notification that the program was overwhelmed. Quite ironically!
BTW, such a long time I have not commented any word on your blog. How about the life in your dream? :-).
Tuan Do says
Hi Daniel Vuong,
Long time not seeing you as well. My new life is much tougher than I thought as I can’t follow the new language and education here. It has turned from a nice dream to an awful nightmare. :(
In regarding to the gift card, I think you will be able to opt in within 1-2 days. I can’t believe a Google system can be overloaded, that is probably just a reason to avoid cheating or system abuse.
Daniel says
Probably at first you will have to face a lot of unexpected things but time goes by and one day soon, when you are completely familiar with US culture, habit and fluent at language, your dream will actually become true. Nice to see new status/pictures on Facebook about your life there. I wish my dream will come true like you soon. :-).
Tuan Do says
Thanks for your encouragements, Daniel. So I will have to wait more for my real dream. I wish I could overcome those challenges soon.
Yeah, I will have a photo diary on Facebook soon, that’s a great idea. :)
Btw, have you applied for the scholarship of this year?
John says
They would have to give me more like $100 for my privacy since I use the internet like 24 hours in a week and search so many things, sorry about the spelling im on my tablet