+1 862 207 3288 Graded Discussion #2: Google’s Privacy Policy
DESCRIPTION
The recent change in Google’s privacy policy has lent to some good debate. To the dismay of many privacy advocates, Google implemented some changes to its privacy policy that will allow the world’s largest Internet company to collect information about its users across all its products, services and websites, and store it in one place.
The idea, Google says, is to create a comprehensive portrait of its users so it can offer more personalized services. But some people are uncomfortable with the idea of any company compiling such a complete portrait of who they talk with, what they watch and where they go.
Google has answered some interesting questions below:
1 I don’t use Gmail myself, but if I send email to people who do have Gmail accounts, does Google collect information about me (i.e., my email address and info collected from the content of my emails)?
2
3 “If you send a message to a friend who uses Gmail, we store that message in our systems so they can access it. If your friend replies to your message, we might add your email address and name (if your email header includes it) to your friend’s contacts list. We do this if your friend’s ‘create contacts for auto-complete’ setting is enabled.”
4 My Android phone requires that I log into my Google Account to use it. Are there any (simple) steps I can take to limit the amount of information Google collects about me while I use my phone?
5
6 “Actually, an Android phone does not require a Google Account. Users can choose to log into an Android phone without a Google Account and still use the phone to place phone calls, send text messages, browse the web and use Google applications that don’t require you to sign in — like Google Maps. Some Google applications such as Android Market and Gmail do require users to be signed into a Google Account.”
7 There was lots of talk about clearing search history before the new privacy changes took place. Is it still possible to clear search history? Will it have the same effect as before?
8
9 “Absolutely Web History, which is a record of your signed-in searches, works the same way today as it did yesterday. You can edit, delete and turn off your Web History if you don’t want your searches to be associated with your Google Account.”
Required materials for this discussion
Before participating in this graded discussion, please review the following articles:
• Netburn, D. (2012, February 29). Google’s new privacy policy starts March 1; 4 ways to prepare opens in new browser window/tab?. Los Angeles Times. This article discusses the recent change in Google’s privacy policy.
• Weis, A. (2012, February 28). Does Google’s new policy really protect student privacy in the cloud? opens in new browser window/tab?The Chronicle of Higher Education. This article discusses the impact of Google’s new privacy on students.
Instructions
Now that you have had the opportunity to review the resources provided above, please start a new discussion thread in Graded Discussion #2 (select the Discussions link in the NavBbar) and respond to the following questions below:
• Do you think companies (online or otherwise) should be allowed to store your personal information indefinitely?
• What kinds of customer information should a company be allowed to store? What kinds should it not?
• Should companies be allowed to store information about people who do not directly use their service?
• Should companies be forced to provide an option so that users can opt out of data collection?
• What are the pros and cons of personal data collection?
Does Google’s new policy really protect or not protect student privacy in the cloud?
Place this order with us and get 18% discount now! to earn your discount enter this code: special18 If you need assistance chat with us now by clicking the live chat button.
