On Thursday, March 1st, 2012 the world didn’t end. However, many people across the internet were up in arms, worrying because this was the day that Google’s new privacy policy change took effect.
Google, which owns over 60 websites, announced earlier this year that it was going to condense each of its sites privacy policies into a single policy that is easier to understand. With the introduction of the new policy, all of a user’s data from each of their Google accounts, from Google+, Youtube, Gmail, and plain search history, was combined into a single account file.
As I briefly mentioned, this new data collection frightened some, reminded others of “big brother,” and even had a few questioning its legality. But, there was no reason and is no reason for anyone to worry about the new changes. And, as Google claims it’s for everyone’s benefit. Here’s why you’ll be fine and the sun will continue to rise.
What is the new privacy policy
As each of Google’s over 60 websites has always done, the information you give them will be collected and stored, along with the information and data resulting from your use with the sites. The same information collected on February 29th will still be collected on March 1st. The only difference is that it will be pooled together to help Google better understand you.
What will the new privacy policy change for you
The information that you provide and that is collected from your use with the sites will be aggregated together to give Google’s algorithms a better picture of who you are. The information will help Google improve upon its sites, develop new products, and tailor content to its users. This last bit, providing users with more relevant search results and better targeted advertisements, is most likely people’s biggest gripe about the privacy policy change.
But, really this shouldn’t be anything to fret over. Rather than seeing a bunch of unrelated advertisement for products that have no chance of effecting your life, wouldn’t you rather be shown things that could have a positive impact on you? I know I would. Search results and ads will be influenced by what your friends are searching for and +1ing, possibly giving you new grounds to bond over.
As Google has stated, the privacy policy change will only benefit end users.
You can avoid some of the effects of the changes
If you’d rather Google not collect so much information about you, you can stop using their sites. Really, there are plenty of search engines out there. Or, you can do your Google searching, use Maps, and watch YouTube videos when you’re logged out of your Google account–this way they can’t track you. Additionally, you can turn off your search history in your Google settings while still logged in to your account.
Author bio: August Drilling works for Forte Promo, online sellers of promotional products, loves design and social media, and works in the marketing field.
Tags: google, google privacy policy, new privacy policy, privacy policy, SEO, sm, social media, tech