Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/internet/06/11/google.privacy.a p/index.html

[quote]Google Inc.`s privacy practices are the worst among the Internet`s top destinations, according to a watchdog group seeking to intensify the recent focus on how the online search leader handles personal information about its users.[/quote]

I had to install a JVM update the other day.  The update came bundled with Google Search Bar and Google Desktop; what`s even worse is that the Search Bar is an opt-out install: it`s installed by default unless you explicitly tell it not to.  Are they getting a bit out of hand?

This might be true - it`s certainly what the folks at Google are screaming, it`s all just a big misunderstanding!.  But don`t you find the combination of this report and the fact that Google is pushing really hard to have their Search Bar BHO installed on every PC in the world a little suspicious? 

I think the web community might just be a bit too trusting of Google.  They`ve done some great stuff and are still doing it, but I really don`t like where this is all headed...

Oleg raises a great point. I find the Google toolbar and Google desktop really irritating. Google`s practices are remarkably similar to those used by spyware developers. There really isn`t any excuse for this.