Google - The Hungry Beast Trying Very Hard Not To Be Evil

[mjtaylor]

This 2:46 minute video portrays a very nosey Parker of an advertising giant that wants to know everything about you -- from your DNA and medical records, to where you live and, of course, what you want to buy.

"If you have something you don't want anyone to know, maybe you shouldn't be doing it in the first place," said Google CEO Eric Schmidt two months ago.

Food For Thought: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7yfV6RzE30

[Cricket]

This is the point I was trying to get across in a recent thread.

Originally Posted by Cricket

Google said Wednesday that it will start testing a new broadband network that will deliver speeds of more than 100 times faster than traditional broadband.

Can you imagine how much information Google would have on you if not only were they your search engine of choice, your email account, your cell phone provider AND your broadband service? When will it be enough? Should I just go ahead and send them an email now with how often I use the bathroom too? http://www.v7n.com/forums/google-for...broadband.html

As open as I am online, I am getting very concerned with the amount of information Google has managed to sneak out of us, one step at a time . . .

[mjtaylor]

It is a thought provoking area of concern, and I am very transparent, too. I tend to trust. And I know that's a good thing. And this is ... well, interesting.

[medcmagz]

I already had in mind everything I do online are traceable and someone is watching. My only question is "when would they be interested in me and why would they" -

[mjtaylor]

Originally Posted by medcmagz

I already had in mind everything I do online are traceable and someone is watching. My only question is "when would they be interested in me and why would they" -

To identify you for an advertiser.

[BeebleBerry]

I don't mind anyone knowing what I do and who I am. It's how they use the information that concerns me. We're already infiltrated by advertisers everywhere and it's getting worse. Having those ads targetted to weaknesses and preferences would be pretty annoying to say the least.

As a society we're already so controlled by advertising, the thought that it's going to get even worse, scares the hell out of me.

On the flip side - if the likes of Google used that to provide really good services and things that add value to my life, then it might not be too bad afterall.

[mjtaylor]

You raise an interesting point.

I knew a lot of people that resisted the buying cards that supermarkets give out at first. I figured, hey, if you track what I buy and how often, you are far more likely to have it in stock when I want it ...

On the other hand, I am susceptible to advertising spin even though I should be wise enough to see through more ... and I don't care for the idea of being manipulated.

[Jim Gillum]

You always have the option of saying "no"......
My background makes me a bit of a skeptic and I tend to look for the hook......
Rarely will a stranger give one something for nothing.......even if the "company" thinks it knows what I want or need.......