Google recently released their latest attempt at capturing the social media market in a service called Google Buzz. But, the backlash of privacy concerns that often seem to nip at Google’s heels erupted at a level unseen before.
Let’s not forget that when Google CEO Eric Schmidt was asked about the growing concerns in the public regarding Google’s unprecedented data gathering and sharing violating public privacy, he made the following statement. “If you have something that you don’t want anyone to know, maybe you shouldn’t be doing it in the first place.” This raised the issue of privacy from a minor afterthought to the main topic of conversation around Google in the media.
I find it difficult to understand how they could release Buzz after all of that without fully vetting any privacy concerns prior to the release.
On the flip side, we all want to find out everything we can about anything we care about.
So, the challenge is finding the balance that works for all parties.
I invite your comments and your participation in the following poll from SurveyWare:
I think google does far more good than evil. gmail is great. plus their putting all books into digital so we don’t have to go to libraries to find them any more.
That depends on your point of view. If you are an author, and Google provides your work without paying any royalties, it could hinder your ability to earn a living. Overall, the process could discourage writers from doing any original writing.
Its all the thin edge if the wedge …