The Evil Side of Google? Exploring Google's User Data Collection

Comments 119

Please keep your comments TAGFEE by following the community etiquette.

E-mail me when new comments are posted

Sort by:

Comments are closed on posts more than 30 days old. Got a burning question? Head to our Q&A section to start a new conversation.

Danny Sullivan

2008-06-25T04:17:41-07:00

Danny, this is a great list -- Google could probably use an all-in-one page like it as well. And honestly not trying to excuse them from anything -- they DO collect a lot of information. But how about doing the same thing for Microsoft next week? Because if you do, I'm virtually certain you'll have a list that is as long or longer. And that perspective is important. With out it, Google gets painted as this massive data collector when in reality, they're doing just what Microsoft (and Yahoo and lots of companies) do.

I guess it's just inevitable that Google is going to be the lightning rod, however. We need better protections, and people continue to be so freaked by Google that maybe they'll drive it over all.

Just wish people were as concerned about you know, my credit data apparently being free to be sold all over the place. I'd like to have an overall privacy protection system put into place.

16 0

Danny, this is a great list -- Google could probably use an all-in-one page like it as well. And honestly not trying to excuse them from anything -- they DO collect a lot of information. But how about doing the same thing for Microsoft next week? Because if you do, I'm virtually certain you'll have a list that is as long or longer. And that perspective is important. With out it, Google gets painted as this massive data collector when in reality, they're doing just what Microsoft (and Yahoo and lots of companies) do. I guess it's just inevitable that Google is going to be the lightning rod, however. We need better protections, and people continue to be so freaked by Google that maybe they'll drive it over all. Just wish people were as concerned about you know, my credit data apparently being free to be sold all over the place. I'd like to have an overall privacy protection system put into place.
Cancel
- TimStaines
 
 2008-06-25T05:11:56-07:00
 
 DD - great post!
 
 DS - I couldn't agree more . . . the MS & Y! perspective is definitely needed here. Also, in a variation of what has been mentioned in the comments above, I think most people understand that they are “paying” to use Google services in one way or another. They might not understand the extent to which their personal information is being used as collateral, but I think the idea that ‘nothing is free’ is fairly pervasive in today’s society.
 
 I make this point only to highlight general societal acceptance in this area. Most people just don’t mind that this is going on. I for one, see Google as more trustworthy and secure than the government and am happy that this is being innovated in the private sector.
 
 2 0
 
 DD - great post! DS - I couldn't agree more . . . the MS & Y! perspective is definitely needed here. Also, in a variation of what has been mentioned in the comments above, I think most people understand that they are “paying” to use Google services in one way or another. They might not understand the extent to which their personal information is being used as collateral, but I think the idea that ‘nothing is free’ is fairly pervasive in today’s society. I make this point only to highlight general societal acceptance in this area. Most people just don’t mind that this is going on. I for one, see Google as more trustworthy and secure than the government and am happy that this is being innovated in the private sector.
 Cancel
- Jean Marc Thomas
 
 2008-06-25T06:05:14-07:00
 
 good point Danny. I was thinking about the same as I wrote my first comment. I mean Microsoft may have even more personal access to our private or even larger datas. I guess that more than 99% of the largest companies rely on Windows XP. Aren't there "secrets" even more valuable than our "little" credit card numbers ?
 
 1 0
 
 good point Danny. I was thinking about the same as I wrote my first comment. I mean Microsoft may have even more personal access to our private or even larger datas. I guess that more than 99% of the largest companies rely on Windows XP. Aren't there "secrets" even more valuable than our "little" credit card numbers ?
 Cancel
- SeanMaguire
 
 2008-06-25T06:10:14-07:00
 
 Well stated Danny, and I agree wholeheartedly.
 
 Google is not alone in their quest for information. Every business and every person in the world is seeking it. It's just that none have come nearly as close (with the exception of the Federal Government), to capturing and organizing so much of it.
 
 The leader will always be the lightning rod and there's no question - Google is the leader.
 
 4 0
 
 Well stated Danny, and I agree wholeheartedly. Google is not alone in their quest for information. Every business and every person in the world is seeking it. It's just that none have come nearly as close (with the exception of the Federal Government), to capturing and organizing so much of it. The leader will always be the lightning rod and there's no question - Google is the leader. 
 Cancel
- zegron
 
 2008-06-25T06:16:54-07:00
 
 I bet it would be ever harder to find out what Microsoft collects. I also bet you it would elicit a much more emotional reaction than Google.
 
 Great article Danny! thanks a bunch!
 
 zegron edited 2008-06-25T06:17:48-07:00
 3 0
 
 I bet it would be ever harder to find out what Microsoft collects. I also bet you it would elicit a much more emotional reaction than Google. Great article Danny! thanks a bunch! 
 Cancel
 - Kristy Bolsinger
 
 2008-06-25T09:44:19-07:00
 
 I totally agree with you. Many people have a very soft place in their heart for Google, and a very uncomfortable place for MS. The reactions I'm guessing would be quite different although it seems that Google knows a lot more.
 
 3 0
 
 I totally agree with you. Many people have a very soft place in their heart for Google, and a very uncomfortable place for MS. The reactions I'm guessing would be quite different although it seems that Google knows a lot more. 
 Cancel
 - zegron
 
 2008-06-25T10:12:30-07:00
 
 Get out the pitchforks and torches! Its time to storm the castle! ;-)
 
 1 0
 
 Get out the pitchforks and torches! Its time to storm the castle! ;-)
 Cancel
 - Kristy Bolsinger
 
 2008-06-25T11:53:24-07:00
 
 Exactly, I do think it would go something like that. Good for Google though, they've got a lot of the public completely smitten. Makes it easier to operate a business like theirs.
 
 1 0
 
 Exactly, I do think it would go something like that. Good for Google though, they've got a lot of the public completely smitten. Makes it easier to operate a business like theirs.
 Cancel
 
 zegron
 
 2008-06-25T17:07:01-07:00
 
 I wish people were a 10th as smitten with my company as they are with google lol. Oh well, with time and effort comes great reward. :-)
 
 1 0
 
 I wish people were a 10th as smitten with my company as they are with google lol. Oh well, with time and effort comes great reward. :-)
 Cancel
 - VanessaH
 
 2008-06-26T17:18:36-07:00
 
 It's true, I love the Google. Maybe I have just been lucky but everyone I have worked with there has been awesome too, which reflects on the company themselves.
 
 1 0
 
 It's true, I love the Google. Maybe I have just been lucky but everyone I have worked with there has been awesome too, which reflects on the company themselves.
 Cancel
 - VanessaH
 
 2008-06-26T17:25:03-07:00
 
 True, Microsoft has made so many of us mad especially those that bought Vista when if first came out, so it may be a more emotional topic, but it might be fun to see what people have to say about it.
 
 1 0
 
 True, Microsoft has made so many of us mad especially those that bought Vista when if first came out, so it may be a more emotional topic, but it might be fun to see what people have to say about it.
 Cancel
- ColleenMonahan
 
 2008-06-25T06:46:58-07:00
 
 That’s a good point. When it comes to credit data, that’s one thing... but giants like these don't really concern me when they collect this data, its the smaller guys that aren't quite as savvy. Then again, if the VA can be compromised like they were a couple years ago, anyone can.
 
 2 0
 
 That’s a good point. When it comes to credit data, that’s one thing... but giants like these don't really concern me when they collect this data, its the smaller guys that aren't quite as savvy. Then again, if the VA can be compromised like they were a couple years ago, anyone can. 
 Cancel
- paisley amoeba
 
 2008-06-25T07:01:01-07:00
 
 Microsloth, really evil... Google.. happy and good..
 
 lol.
 
 1 0
 
 Microsloth, really evil... Google.. happy and good.. lol.
 Cancel
Brent Payne

2008-06-24T21:56:35-07:00

The fact that Google is tracking all this stuff is inevitable in the evolution of mankind. Perhaps they'll do it too quickly and the world will freak out and put the kabosh on it or maybe they'll keep it in check and the public will slowly embrace it.

Now for a religious take on the whole thing . . .

The Book of Life

It may not be in the form that some guy from 2,000 - 4,000 years ago understood the internet to be but give it another 30 years and I think we'll have the Book of Life pretty much covered.

Am I concerned? Nope.

Why not? Because I am who I am. Sure there are things I don't want people to know about me but at the end of the day, I am the one that has to live with those decisions (and I've made some hefty bad ones). How many things do you do in the shadows when nobody is looking?

What about privacy? Well just about every religion of the world tosses that to the wind and 98% of the world believes in some form of omniscient being. So . . . 'god' is going to know everything anyway and the world will know sooner or later anyway come 'Judgement Day' or its equivalent for other religions. What difference does it make? Personally it's just a matter of time.

What about identity theft? Yeah, we better get on that one people. Because it's going to get easier and easier. Of course, the 'mark of the beast' would make it easier to prevent such personal violations to happen and we'll go there eventually but maybe not with the numbers '666' on our foreheads (again context people). BTW, my great grandparents thought a credit card was the mark of the beast, I can't imagine what they'd think of a thumbprint to pay for groceries--yes it could easily go there.

I'm an Atheist that finds religion fascinating and believes strongly in the prophecies of the past from many different religions if context is applied properly (i.e. the writer's ability to understand today's time). I used to be many religions growing up but had my strongest belief in the LDS (yes, Mormon) religion from age 15 - 21 (too the point I would now consider it fanatical).

I haven't attend church in 10 years. So take me as a grain of salt if you wish. ;-)

Brent

(here come the thumbs down, and a lesson in public relations--never discuss religion)

13 0

The fact that Google is tracking all this stuff is inevitable in the evolution of mankind. Perhaps they'll do it too quickly and the world will freak out and put the kabosh on it or maybe they'll keep it in check and the public will slowly embrace it. Now for a religious take on the whole thing . . . The Book of Life It may not be in the form that some guy from 2,000 - 4,000 years ago understood the internet to be but give it another 30 years and I think we'll have the Book of Life pretty much covered. Am I concerned? Nope. Why not? Because I am who I am. Sure there are things I don't want people to know about me but at the end of the day, I am the one that has to live with those decisions (and I've made some hefty bad ones). How many things do you do in the shadows when nobody is looking? What about privacy? Well just about every religion of the world tosses that to the wind and 98% of the world believes in some form of omniscient being. So . . . 'god' is going to know everything anyway and the world will know sooner or later anyway come 'Judgement Day' or its equivalent for other religions. What difference does it make? Personally it's just a matter of time. What about identity theft? Yeah, we better get on that one people. Because it's going to get easier and easier. Of course, the 'mark of the beast' would make it easier to prevent such personal violations to happen and we'll go there eventually but maybe not with the numbers '666' on our foreheads (again context people). BTW, my great grandparents thought a credit card was the mark of the beast, I can't imagine what they'd think of a thumbprint to pay for groceries--yes it could easily go there. I'm an Atheist that finds religion fascinating and believes strongly in the prophecies of the past from many different religions if context is applied properly (i.e. the writer's ability to understand today's time). I used to be many religions growing up but had my strongest belief in the LDS (yes, Mormon) religion from age 15 - 21 (too the point I would now consider it fanatical). I haven't attend church in 10 years. So take me as a grain of salt if you wish. ;-) Brent (here come the thumbs down, and a lesson in public relations--never discuss religion)
Cancel
- MySEOScore
 
 2008-06-24T22:10:18-07:00
 
 That's good Brent, funny, was going to take that same direction in my earlier post, changed mind, wasn't sure how it would fly here. So I thumbed you UP, for being braver than I was...
 
 2 0
 
 That's good Brent, funny, was going to take that same direction in my earlier post, changed mind, wasn't sure how it would fly here. So I thumbed you UP, for being braver than I was...
 Cancel
 - Brent Payne
 
 2008-06-24T22:12:48-07:00
 
 Thanks! This is a pretty open, honest, and forgiving community. We'll see what happens though. Religion is touchy. Let alone religion from a former-Mormon now Atheist. :-)
 
 Brent
 
 3 0
 
 Thanks! This is a pretty open, honest, and forgiving community. We'll see what happens though. Religion is touchy. Let alone religion from a former-Mormon now Atheist. :-) Brent
 Cancel
- Stuart P Turner
 
 2008-06-25T01:59:38-07:00
 
 "The fact that Google is tracking all this stuff is inevitable in the evolution of mankind."
 
 Not quite sure what you mean by that Brent, it's definitely inevitable in the evolution of online business and marketing though ;)
 
 I totally agree with what you're getting at about people accepting such a big change however; it takes a long time for the general populace to accept and understand something like this.
 
 In the still slightly paranoid global atmosphere of '08 it's perfectly clear why people are worried, but open discussion is the best way forward. This seems to be where Google does fall down, with their slightly obscure and sometimes evasive explanations.
 
 2 0
 
 "The fact that Google is tracking all this stuff is inevitable in the evolution of mankind." Not quite sure what you mean by that Brent, it's definitely inevitable in the evolution of online business and marketing though ;) I totally agree with what you're getting at about people accepting such a big change however; it takes a long time for the general populace to accept and understand something like this. In the still slightly paranoid global atmosphere of '08 it's perfectly clear why people are worried, but open discussion is the best way forward. This seems to be where Google does fall down, with their slightly obscure and sometimes evasive explanations. 
 Cancel
- SeanMaguire
 
 2008-06-25T05:44:40-07:00
 
 Brent,
 
 That's a fantastically thoughtful comment. Thumbs up.
 
 I will say, with regard to privacy and the exploitation of this information in damaging ways, my biggest concerns are not so much exposing an individual's "dirty deeds" as much as much as invading his/her personal privacy and the privacy of corporations.
 
 1 0
 
 Brent, That's a fantastically thoughtful comment. Thumbs up. I will say, with regard to privacy and the exploitation of this information in damaging ways, my biggest concerns are not so much exposing an individual's "dirty deeds" as much as much as invading his/her personal privacy and the privacy of corporations. 
 Cancel
- PritamBarhate67
 
 2008-06-26T00:22:37-07:00
 
 I'm an Atheist that finds religion fascinating and believes strongly in the prophecies of the past from many different religions if context is applied properly (i.e. the writer's ability to understand today's time).
 Very well said.
 
 1 0
 
 <blockquote>I'm an Atheist that finds religion fascinating and believes strongly in the prophecies of the past from many different religions if context is applied properly (i.e. the writer's ability to understand today's time).</blockquote>Very well said. 
 Cancel
SeanMaguire

2008-06-24T20:52:40-07:00

As Google’s competition has started to catch up...and new competitors are arising...the search engine is looking for some kind of advantage.

Just a couple of things. First - the competition has in no way, shape or form, started to catch up to Google.

Having said that - great post Danny.

It would be INCREDIBLY NAIVE to discount to potential harm any company with the vast amount of both public and private data, organized in the way Google has, could do.

Am I saying Googel is evil? No. Do they have the potential to be evil? Yes. Does the potential exist for individuals at such a company, with insidious ideas, to exploit that data in damaging ways? Without question.

Could the government potentially force Google to hand over data that they could use to infringe on private citizen's rights? ABSOLUTELY.

Call me paranoid, but I find alarming, the extent to which Google is endeavoring to know every miniscule piece of information about everyone and everything in an effort to exploit it to their profitable benefit.

Information leads to knowledge. Knowledge is power. George Orwell said:

“Power is not a means, it is an end. One does not establish a dictatorship in order to safeguard a revolution; one makes the revolution in order to establish the dictatorship.”
Is Google a dictatorship in the making?

SeanMaguire edited 2008-06-24T21:06:54-07:00
10 0

<blockquote> As Google’s competition has started to catch up...and new competitors are arising...the search engine is looking for some kind of advantage.</blockquote> Just a couple of things. First - the competition has in no way, shape or form, started to catch up to Google. Having said that - great post Danny. It would be INCREDIBLY NAIVE to discount to potential harm any company with the vast amount of both public and private data, organized in the way Google has, could do. Am I saying Googel is evil? No. Do they have the potential to be evil? Yes. Does the potential exist for individuals at such a company, with insidious ideas, to exploit that data in damaging ways? Without question. Could the government potentially force Google to hand over data that they could use to infringe on private citizen's rights? ABSOLUTELY. Call me paranoid, but I find alarming, the extent to which Google is endeavoring to know every miniscule piece of information about everyone and everything in an effort to exploit it to their profitable benefit. Information leads to knowledge. Knowledge is power. George Orwell said: <blockquote>“Power is not a means, it is an end. One does not establish a dictatorship in order to safeguard a revolution; one makes the revolution in order to establish the dictatorship.”</blockquote>Is Google a dictatorship in the making?
Cancel
- Stuart P Turner
 
 2008-06-25T01:55:45-07:00
 
 Very interesting stuff... I like the post Danny although it doesn't come as a great surprise.
 
 It's funny you should ask if Google is a dictatorship in the making Sean. While Google may well be a trustworthy entity now, and I do believe as Rand said they have strong beliefs about how this information should be used (and protecting people's privacy), Google is a business. All it would take is one significant staff change for morality to be cast out the window and that wealth of information to be abused.
 
 The thing I find re-assuring however is that like any business, I don't think Google is as organised as it appears from the outside. While all this information appears to be kept under the umbrella of 'Google', the company is spread across the globe, and there is no 'man behind the curtain' pulling all the strings.
 
 Then again, maybe that's just what they want me to think...
 
 2 0
 
 Very interesting stuff... I like the post Danny although it doesn't come as a great surprise. It's funny you should ask if Google is a dictatorship in the making Sean. While Google may well be a trustworthy entity now, and I do believe as Rand said they have strong beliefs about how this information should be used (and protecting people's privacy), Google is a business. All it would take is one significant staff change for morality to be cast out the window and that wealth of information to be abused. The thing I find re-assuring however is that like any business, I don't think Google is as organised as it appears from the outside. While all this information appears to be kept under the umbrella of 'Google', the company is spread across the globe, and there is no 'man behind the curtain' pulling all the strings. Then again, maybe that's just what they want me to think... 
 Cancel
- DavidLaFerney
 
 2008-06-25T05:43:21-07:00
 
 Could the government potentially force Google to hand over data that they could use to infringe on private citizen's rights? ABSOLUTELY.
 
 That's the thing. We may not always be blessed with leaders who are as wise and benevolent as the current ones.
 
 DavidLaFerney edited 2008-06-25T05:45:49-07:00
 1 0
 
 <blockquote>Could the government potentially force Google to hand over data that they could use to infringe on private citizen's rights? ABSOLUTELY.</blockquote> That's the thing. We may not always be blessed with leaders who are as wise and benevolent as the current ones.
 Cancel
- Komentator
 
 2009-01-30T13:11:36-08:00
 
 This is a truly insigtful voice. It's the possibility of the data connectedness which makes us uneasy. No matter the moral qualities, no matter what the behavior, the problem is that there is an opportunity for making things quite odd. The whole discussion is on what power there exist to use the data? If there is a culture not to discriminate people of what they think or where they come from or how they behave, there is no problem with data procesing. There is always a problem of concentration of power. Power corrupts. People conform. Anyone to argue?
 
 1 0
 
 This is a truly insigtful voice. It's the possibility of the data connectedness which makes us uneasy. No matter the moral qualities, no matter what the behavior, the problem is that there is an opportunity for making things quite odd. The whole discussion is on what power there exist to use the data? If there is a culture not to discriminate people of what they think or where they come from or how they behave, there is no problem with data procesing. There is always a problem of concentration of power. Power corrupts. People conform. Anyone to argue?
 Cancel
EGOL

2008-06-24T20:05:22-07:00

Great Summary... Nice job..

You might add Feedburner. A data treasure trove. They get notified right away when someone posts content, they know who is getting subscriptions, who is getting syndicated, and who is getting clicked.

Google bought feedburner not to provide a cool service, they bought it for the data.

7 0

Great Summary... Nice job.. You might add Feedburner. A data treasure trove. They get notified right away when someone posts content, they know who is getting subscriptions, who is getting syndicated, and who is getting clicked. Google bought feedburner not to provide a cool service, they bought it for the data. 
Cancel
- Danny Dover
 
 2008-06-25T10:06:08-07:00
 
 Great point, I am adding it right now. Happy to see you back on the blog. I really enjoyed your earlier work on this site.
 
 2 0
 
 Great point, I am adding it right now. Happy to see you back on the blog. I really enjoyed your earlier work on this site.
 Cancel
Lori Bourne

2008-06-25T07:11:40-07:00

I've always thought of Isaac Asimov's story The Last Question when it comes to Google.

Basically, humanity winds down over the centuries and each time a civilization dies, their information is entered into a giant computer. People keep asking this computer "Can entropy be reversed?" and the computer never has enough information to answer until the very last person inputs their information.

I don't want to give away the ending if you haven't read it, but please do. It's awesome.

7 0

I've always thought of Isaac Asimov's story <a href="https://filer.case.edu/dts8/thelastq.htm" rel="nofollow">The Last Question</a> when it comes to Google. Basically, humanity winds down over the centuries and each time a civilization dies, their information is entered into a giant computer. People keep asking this computer "Can entropy be reversed?" and the computer never has enough information to answer until the very last person inputs their information. I don't want to give away the ending if you haven't read it, but please do. It's awesome. 
Cancel
- DavidLaFerney
 
 2008-06-25T08:26:19-07:00
 
 I don't want to give away the ending if you haven't read it, but please do. It's awesome.
 
 Given what little I know about you, I would have thought you would be a bit put off by that ending. Now I know your're a fellow fan of classic Science Fiction. Cool.
 
 1 0
 
 <blockquote>I don't want to give away the ending if you haven't read it, but please do. It's awesome.</blockquote> Given what little I know about you, I would have thought you would be a bit put off by that ending. Now I know your're a fellow fan of classic Science Fiction. Cool. 
 Cancel
 - Lori Bourne
 
 2008-06-25T08:51:32-07:00
 
 Surely the little you know about me includes the fact that I always like to be the opposite of what people expect me to be? :)
 
 I discovered Isaac through his Black Widow mysteries, and then went on to read all his sci-fi. This was probably in junior high school...anyway, I'm a big fan of his. And Rishi is too - hi, Rishi! *waves*
 
 3 0
 
 Surely the little you know about me includes the fact that I always like to be the opposite of what people expect me to be? :) I discovered Isaac through his Black Widow mysteries, and then went on to read all his sci-fi. This was probably in junior high school...anyway, I'm a big fan of his. And Rishi is too - hi, Rishi! *waves* 
 Cancel
 - Rishi Lakhani
 
 2008-06-25T08:57:09-07:00
 
 Black widows rocks! :P.
 
 Hi! *waves back*
 
 rishil edited 2008-06-25T08:58:20-07:00
 2 0
 
 Black widows rocks! :P. Hi! *waves back* 
 Cancel
- Danny Dover
 
 2008-06-25T10:36:36-07:00
 
 I have been loking for this! I read it about a year ago and didn't bookmark it. This story creeps into my mind every once in a while. Thanks for linking!
 
 If anyone hasn't read this, I highly recommend it! It isn't too long and will stick with you for a long time.
 
 2 0
 
 I have been loking for this! I read it about a year ago and didn't bookmark it. This story creeps into my mind every once in a while. Thanks for linking! If anyone hasn't read this, I highly recommend it! It isn't too long and will stick with you for a long time. 
 Cancel
MySEOScore

2008-06-24T21:55:16-07:00

That's a ton of good information, thanks. I tend to be fairly comfortable with Google knowing all that stuff about me. Like Rand says, they seem to take security seriously. Was trying to remember if there has been any major data breaches with Google that we know of?

The voice part does surprise me, I guess the take on that is don't use Google Talk to:
- Order your weekly bag of smoke
- Call your girlfriend (the other one)
- Tell your boss that you are sick then order tickets for tonights ballgame
Actually since they know this much I wish they knew more. Could save me a lot of time. Like when I go out to the garage and stand there not remembering what I went out for, could just pull up my thought history on the cell phone and search the last ten minutes. I don't care if they show me ads for screwdrivers on Ebay, that's what I went out there for.

I suppose there is goverments that doesn't even have that kind of data on it's population. If Google were to rule the land, would probably think differently about them knowing all that, and sure don't want them knowing my thoughts.

6 0
That's a ton of good information, thanks. I tend to be fairly comfortable with Google knowing all that stuff about me. Like Rand says, they seem to take security seriously. Was trying to remember if there has been any major data breaches with Google that we know of? The voice part does surprise me, I guess the take on that is don't use Google Talk to: <ul><li>Order your weekly bag of smoke</li><li>Call your girlfriend (the other one)</li><li>Tell your boss that you are sick then order tickets for tonights ballgame</li></ul> Actually since they know this much I wish they knew more. Could save me a lot of time. Like when I go out to the garage and stand there not remembering what I went out for, could just pull up my thought history on the cell phone and search the last ten minutes. I don't care if they show me ads for screwdrivers on Ebay, that's what I went out there for. I suppose there is goverments that doesn't even have that kind of data on it's population. If Google were to rule the land, would probably think differently about them knowing all that, and sure don't want them knowing my thoughts. 
Cancel
- Brent Payne
 
 2008-06-24T22:01:27-07:00
 
 LOL! Love the cell phone to recall thoughts comment. I so wish I had that feature.
 
 We could call it G'Thought.
 
 2 0
 
 LOL! Love the cell phone to recall thoughts comment. I so wish I had that feature. We could call it G'Thought.
 Cancel
- vingold
 
 2008-06-25T06:24:26-07:00
 
 I'm kind of along the same lines of thinking.
 
 With Google having all of this information, they seem to be doing a rather shitty job of running my life.
 
 Knowing what they know about me - they should not only be filling out my Google calendar, but answering all of my gmail, programming my DVR and ordering my twice weekly Chinese food.
 
 7 0
 
 I'm kind of along the same lines of thinking. With Google having all of this information, they seem to be doing a rather shitty job of running my life. Knowing what they know about me - they should not only be filling out my Google calendar, but answering all of my gmail, programming my DVR and ordering my twice weekly Chinese food.
 Cancel
- Kristy Bolsinger
 
 2008-06-25T09:38:29-07:00
 
 Really like the thought recall option....wouldn't want most of that info getting out though :P
 
 1 0
 
 Really like the thought recall option....wouldn't want most of that info getting out though :P
 Cancel
Rand Fishkin

2008-06-24T20:26:00-07:00

It takes a lot of "smart" to process and use that data in good, useful, interesting ways, but I think that's where Google can really excel. As more and more of their processes get exposed, they can, as you said, shift to more private, un-knowable sources of information to help their security through obscurity system.

I can't say that I'm really that worried about what Google will do with the data they collect. Generally speaking, I have a lot of trust that the people who work there have strong, personal feelings about data privacy on the individual level - which is really good for Google users and customers. My only wish is that more of their data were exposed in public ways, so that the world's business and educational communities could benefit, too.

6 0

It takes a lot of "smart" to process and use that data in good, useful, interesting ways, but I think that's where Google can really excel. As more and more of their processes get exposed, they can, as you said, shift to more private, un-knowable sources of information to help their security through obscurity system. I can't say that I'm really that worried about what Google will do with the data they collect. Generally speaking, I have a lot of trust that the people who work there have strong, personal feelings about data privacy on the individual level - which is really good for Google users and customers. My only wish is that more of their data were exposed in public ways, so that the world's business and educational communities could benefit, too. 
Cancel
- Lori Bourne
 
 2008-06-24T20:42:04-07:00
 
 Rand, I remember at your seminar last year you said something about Google only using data in the aggregate, not on an individual basis. Is this something they've explicitly stated? Does that apply to all their data, or just some kinds?
 
 1 0
 
 Rand, I remember at your seminar last year you said something about Google only using data in the aggregate, not on an individual basis. Is this something they've explicitly stated? Does that apply to all their data, or just some kinds? 
 Cancel
- Brent Payne
 
 2008-06-24T22:09:05-07:00
 
 Rand,
 
 I agree. I talk to a lot of people at Google and all of them tell me the exact same thing (even after several beers) that Google isn't nearly as perfect at making all the different cogs work together as people think. Plus, they make it as a policy to not create conflicts for themselves. It's just not a good long term strategy and Google is in for the long term.
 
 I do think Google is a public relations machine though. I think they could say that there are no primary colors in their logo and people would believe it because they have such high trust in the community. That type of power is scary as hell but no different than what any other organization or government could have or a community.
 
 I worry about the future of Google. I have seen a lot of really good quality people leave Google. Good quality ethically. What happens when the founders are gone? Will the company stick to their motto of 'do no evil' or will that line get grey? I trust the Google of today but feel they could violate that trust with the community tomorrow.
 
 Personally . . . my life is fairly open book (my son being the caveat as I believe he should have the right to choose how open he wants to be with his life versus me posting everything about him before he is old enough to make that decision) so what Google knows or shares with the world will probably never concern me.
 
 Brent
 
 4 0
 
 Rand, I agree. I talk to a lot of people at Google and all of them tell me the exact same thing (even after several beers) that Google isn't nearly as perfect at making all the different cogs work together as people think. Plus, they make it as a policy to not create conflicts for themselves. It's just not a good long term strategy and Google is in for the long term. I do think Google is a public relations machine though. I think they could say that there are no primary colors in their logo and people would believe it because they have such high trust in the community. That type of power is scary as hell but no different than what any other organization or government could have or a community. I worry about the future of Google. I have seen a lot of really good quality people leave Google. Good quality ethically. What happens when the founders are gone? Will the company stick to their motto of 'do no evil' or will that line get grey? I trust the Google of today but feel they could violate that trust with the community tomorrow. Personally . . . my life is fairly open book (my son being the caveat as I believe he should have the right to choose how open he wants to be with his life versus me posting everything about him before he is old enough to make that decision) so what Google knows or shares with the world will probably never concern me. Brent
 Cancel
 - MaltaSEO
 
 2008-06-25T07:00:36-07:00
 
 I trust the Google of today but feel they could violate that trust with the community tomorrow.
 Exactly!
 
 4 0
 
 <blockquote> I trust the Google of today but feel they could violate that trust with the community tomorrow.</blockquote>Exactly! 
 Cancel
qeorge

2008-06-24T18:12:52-07:00

Great post, thanks for organizing all of this information into one central location. None of it comes as a huge surprise, but people should be aware of what is being collected.

I wouldn't mind the data collection nearly as much if there was a way a user could opt-out of data collection completely, and delete all the information on them which has been stored. Facebook takes a lot of heat for not providing this feature, why is Google immune?

5 0

Great post, thanks for organizing all of this information into one central location. None of it comes as a huge surprise, but people should be aware of what is being collected. I wouldn't mind the data collection nearly as much if there was a way a user could opt-out of data collection completely, and delete all the information on them which has been stored. Facebook takes a lot of heat for not providing this feature, why is Google immune?
Cancel
- Danny Dover
 
 2008-06-24T18:20:16-07:00
 
 I don't expect most of this to be a big surprise. However some of these did pop out at me.
 - Goog 411 records the users voice
 - Google desktop has an option to analyize the users local files to provide better SERPs
 - The whole idea of giving Google my Social Security Number if I sell something through Google Checkout.
 - Having my Credit Card linked to my account
 Crazy stuff.
 
 BTW I should be able to make a PDF with this info available later tonight.
 
 6 0
 I don't expect most of this to be a big surprise. However some of these did pop out at me. <ul><li>Goog 411 records the users voice</li><li>Google desktop has an option to analyize the users local files to provide better SERPs</li><li>The whole idea of giving Google my Social Security Number if I sell something through Google Checkout.</li><li>Having my Credit Card linked to my account</li></ul> Crazy stuff. BTW I should be able to make a PDF with this info available later tonight.
 Cancel
 - Brent Payne
 
 2008-06-24T22:11:23-07:00
 
 I wonder if they have recorded enough of Natalie Portman's voice for me to get my GOOG-411 responses back in her voice. That'd have me use it more often . . . oh wait I already use it exclusively.
 
 Brent
 
 4 0
 
 I wonder if they have recorded enough of Natalie Portman's voice for me to get my GOOG-411 responses back in her voice. That'd have me use it more often . . . oh wait I already use it exclusively. Brent
 Cancel
 - Kristy Bolsinger
 
 2008-06-25T16:27:27-07:00
 
 I guess I should have figured that out, but it never dawned on me that the Google desk top would collect data on local files.
 
 Guess I better clear out all of that info on my tax evasion :P
 
 1 0
 
 I guess I should have figured that out, but it never dawned on me that the Google desk top would collect data on local files. Guess I better clear out all of that info on my tax evasion :P 
 Cancel
- SeanMaguire
 
 2008-06-25T06:19:04-07:00
 
 Sphinn it here
 
 EDIT: Link Updated
 
 DannyDover edited 2008-06-25T09:58:33-07:00
 3 1
 
 <a href="https://sphinn.com/story/55016" rel="nofollow">Sphinn it here</a> EDIT: Link Updated 
 Cancel
- JPNinja
 
 2008-12-06T20:43:36-08:00
 
 Ah, you see, Google is a really powerful company with great lawyers and access to all the data in the world. They can... get away with a lot of things.
 
 1 0
 
 Ah, you see, Google is a really powerful company with great lawyers and access to all the data in the world. They can... get away with a lot of things.
 Cancel
Danny Dover

2008-06-24T19:15:17-07:00

Question to the moz community:

Should I reformat this post to have the long list as a seperate PDF? This would remove the long scroll but might kill the impact. Thoughts?

5 0

Question to the moz community: Should I reformat this post to have the long list as a seperate PDF? This would remove the long scroll but might kill the impact. Thoughts?
Cancel
- Lori Bourne
 
 2008-06-24T19:46:49-07:00
 
 I would keep the list and add a PDF. I didn't mind scrolling but a PDF is useful too.
 
 Danny, you are just blowing me away with your awesome posts - and one thing I appreciate is that you're not just sitting down and riffing on some subject (not that I don't like that kind of post too), you're putting a lot of time and research into them.
 
 Since you are now an expert on all the types of info Google collects, are you able to speculate about how (or if) they use all of it (or some of it)?
 
 4 0
 
 I would keep the list and add a PDF. I didn't mind scrolling but a PDF is useful too. Danny, you are just blowing me away with your awesome posts - and one thing I appreciate is that you're not just sitting down and riffing on some subject (not that I don't like that kind of post too), you're putting a lot of time and research into them. Since you are now an expert on all the types of info Google collects, are you able to speculate about how (or if) they use all of it (or some of it)? 
 Cancel
 - k0k1man
 
 2008-06-25T06:57:59-07:00
 
 yes. thats my vote too
 
 1 0
 
 yes. thats my vote too
 Cancel
 - DanaLookadoo
 
 2008-06-25T14:45:42-07:00
 
 Yes, please look into your Google Crystal Ball!
 
 1 0
 
 Yes, please look into your Google Crystal Ball! 
 Cancel
- MatthewJohn
 
 2008-06-24T19:57:49-07:00
 
 I agree with Lorisa.
 
 Keep both. The list has a good impact value to it.
 
 1 0
 
 I agree with Lorisa. Keep both. The list has a good impact value to it. 
 Cancel
- Jean Christofferson
 
 2008-06-24T20:32:08-07:00
 
 Yes - keep both. The impact is very important. People might skip opening a pdf thinking they know it all, but without all the research that you have put in, I suspect most don't. I certainly didn't.
 
 2 0
 
 Yes - keep both. The impact is very important. People might skip opening a pdf thinking they know it all, but without all the research that you have put in, I suspect most don't. I certainly didn't.
 Cancel
- Swami Atma
 
 2008-06-25T00:20:53-07:00
 
 No, please don't reformat.
 
 2 0
 
 No, please don't reformat.
 Cancel
- robertk
 
 2008-06-25T06:42:27-07:00
 
 Excellent post Danny! I think having the long scroll adds to the impact. Definately keep the list in the post with a link to the PDF.
 
 Kudos!
 
 1 0
 
 Excellent post Danny! I think having the long scroll adds to the impact. Definately keep the list in the post with a link to the PDF. Kudos! 
 Cancel
- grasshopper
 
 2008-06-25T09:45:46-07:00
 
 It reminds me of the courthouse scene from Arrested Development:
 
 George Sr., never having heard the charges listed consecutively in one sitting, panicked and ran with great intensity.
 
 I'm having a similar reaction seeing all this stuff in this giant list running all the way down the page.... Makes me want to run for the hills {shudder}
 
 A PDF option would be nice, but I do think the current presentation is effective.
 
 4 0
 
 It reminds me of the courthouse scene from Arrested Development: George Sr., never having heard the charges listed consecutively in one sitting, panicked and ran with great intensity. I'm having a similar reaction seeing all this stuff in this giant list running all the way down the page.... Makes me want to run for the hills {shudder} A PDF option would be nice, but I do think the current presentation is effective.
 Cancel
 - Rebecca Kelley
 
 2008-06-25T13:13:05-07:00
 
 I'll thumb up any AD reference.
 
 2 0
 
 I'll thumb up any AD reference. 
 Cancel
- Jean Marc Thomas
 
 2008-06-25T10:25:07-07:00
 
 you can add a PDF, but keep your post this way. it will be good for people who have read your post, to have the full list aside for a later use.
 
 1 0
 
 you can add a PDF, but keep your post this way. it will be good for people who have read your post, to have the full list aside for a later use.
 Cancel
Hamlet Batista

2008-06-25T08:12:32-07:00

This is an excellent post! I wrote a brief post a while ago and I am planning to write something more extensive about this. You've saved me a lot of research time. Thanks!

I have a theory of why Google collects all this information. Apart from the obvious use for improving their relevancy algorithms (paid and organic) I believe they use it for data mining.

Data mining, the extraction of hidden predictive information from large databases, is a powerful new technology with great potential to help companies focus on the most important information in their data warehouses. Data mining tools predict future trends and behaviors, allowing businesses to make proactive, knowledge-driven decisions. The automated, prospective analyses offered by data mining move beyond the analyses of past events provided by retrospective tools typical of decision support systems. Data mining tools can answer business questions that traditionally were too time consuming to resolve. They scour databases for hidden patterns, finding predictive information that experts may miss because it lies outside their expectations.

In English, this means they are/will be able to predict the future. They will always know where the profits are and will adjust their business strategies accordingly. This isn't necessarily bad for consumers/individual users but for their competitors. Sound like science fiction. No?

4 0

This is an excellent post! I wrote a brief <a href="https://hamletbatista.com/2007/07/17/our-digital-footprints-googles-and-microsoft%E2%80%99s-most-valuable-asset/" rel="nofollow">post</a> a while ago and I am planning to write something more extensive about this. You've saved me a lot of research time. Thanks! I have a theory of why Google collects all this information. Apart from the obvious use for improving their relevancy algorithms (paid and organic) I believe they use it for <a href="https://www.thearling.com/text/dmwhite/dmwhite.htm" rel="nofollow">data mining</a>. <blockquote>Data mining, the extraction of hidden predictive information from large databases, is a powerful new technology with great potential to help companies focus on the most important information in their data warehouses. Data mining tools predict future trends and behaviors, allowing businesses to make proactive, knowledge-driven decisions. The automated, prospective analyses offered by data mining move beyond the analyses of past events provided by retrospective tools typical of decision support systems. Data mining tools can answer business questions that traditionally were too time consuming to resolve. They scour databases for hidden patterns, finding predictive information that experts may miss because it lies outside their expectations.</blockquote> In English, this means they are/will be able to predict the future. They will always know where the profits are and will adjust their business strategies accordingly. This isn't necessarily bad for consumers/individual users but for their competitors. Sound like science fiction. No?
Cancel
- Danny Dover
 
 2008-06-25T12:10:49-07:00
 
 Walmart has been doing this for a long time.
 
 At one time they had one of the most powerful single computers in existence and used it to process transaction data. One of the more interesting findings was that men in their 20s who purchase beer on Fridays after work are also likely to buy a pack of diapers. Stress? Supposedly, they moved the items closer together and sales went way up.
 
 Note: I think my professor lied to me.
 
 2 0
 
 Walmart has been doing this for a long time. At one time they had one of the most powerful single computers in existence and used it to process transaction data. One of the more interesting findings was that men in their 20s who purchase beer on Fridays after work are also likely to buy a pack of diapers. Stress? Supposedly, they moved the items closer together and sales went way up. Note: I think my professor<a href="https://web.onetel.net.uk/~hibou/Beer%20and%20Nappies.html" rel="nofollow"> lied to me</a>. 
 Cancel
Richard Baxter

2008-06-25T11:12:04-07:00

Wow! It might have been easier to list what Google don't know about us! Nice list!

4 0

Wow! It might have been easier to list what Google don't know about us! Nice list!
Cancel
- VanessaH
 
 2008-06-26T17:57:16-07:00
 
 I was trying to think of something they may not know off the top of my head but it starting getting too complicated, everything I thought of made me think "well they could probably deduce the answer from when I did this" etc.
 
 Hmmmmm, do they know what I am thinking right now?
 
 1 0
 
 I was trying to think of something they may not know off the top of my head but it starting getting too complicated, everything I thought of made me think "well they could probably deduce the answer from when I did this" etc. Hmmmmm, do they know what I am thinking right now?
 Cancel
Christian Biggins

2008-06-24T21:06:22-07:00

Wow, great post. God knows how much work went into that.

Thanks for enlightening me. (Even though it scared the bejesus out of me!)

3 0

Wow, great post. God knows how much work went into that. Thanks for enlightening me. (Even though it scared the bejesus out of me!) 
Cancel
Jean Christofferson

2008-06-24T18:50:02-07:00

At the beginning of your post when you were describing the collection methods and basic data collected I was thinking 'big deal - we all do it. I know google has my data.' But then when it got to the very extensive list of services that google collects data on and data that goes beyond clicks, IP and browser stats, that is when the impact hit me. I completely forgot that they bought Postini, which I use to filter my mail. So now they are reading my mail in addition to watching all my customers with google analytics and adwords. And NO privacy policy of those very services! Big brother is indeed watching.

3 0

At the beginning of your post when you were describing the collection methods and basic data collected I was thinking 'big deal - we all do it. I know google has my data.' But then when it got to the very extensive list of services that google collects data on and data that goes beyond clicks, IP and browser stats, that is when the impact hit me. I completely forgot that they bought Postini, which I use to filter my mail. So now they are reading my mail in addition to watching all my customers with google analytics and adwords. And NO privacy policy of those very services! Big brother is indeed watching.
Cancel
Ramtin Sohrabian

2010-01-30T03:28:26-08:00

Hi Danny,

This is a great article, I know that its been a long time since you posted this, but I am doing some research on SEO and specially the way Google handles search strings for school this semester.

I am assuming that when you did this research the results applied only to logged in Google users. As you may know in December 2009 Google announced on it’s blog that they have started personalisation approach even for non logged in users. The new feature customises search results based upon 180 days of search activity linked to an anonymous cookie in the user browser.

I would say the personalisation approach apart from some privacy issues for some people, it has some impact on SEO and might modify the ranking of the pages and gives priority to real-time content generated pages by social media such as Twitter or facebook.

Speaking of privacy, I was amazed when I went to Ad Preferences page on Google website and saw how much Google knows about my behaviour on search keywords. For those who don’t know where this is, go to Ads Preferences.

All that being said, we all know that the cookies can be disabled in the browsers to skip all these.

Cheers,

Ramtin

2 0

Hi Danny, This is a great article, I know that its been a long time since you posted this, but I am doing some research on SEO and specially the way Google handles search strings for school this semester. I am assuming that when you did this research the results applied only to logged in Google users. As you may know in December 2009 Google announced on it’s blog that they have started personalisation approach even for non logged in users. The new feature customises search results based upon 180 days of search activity linked to an anonymous cookie in the user browser. I would say the personalisation approach apart from some privacy issues for some people, it has some impact on SEO and might modify the ranking of the pages and gives priority to real-time content generated pages by social media such as Twitter or facebook. Speaking of privacy, I was amazed when I went to Ad Preferences page on Google website and saw how much Google knows about my behaviour on search keywords. For those who don’t know where this is, go to Ads Preferences. All that being said, we all know that the cookies can be disabled in the browsers to skip all these. Cheers, Ramtin
Cancel
Vaghela

2010-06-01T22:32:15-07:00

Hi Buddy,First of all I heartly thankful for this post. I also heatly salute for your imagination and for your work effort for research all data. You are perfectly write right because everyone think about google is best forever & evergreen. But In My point of view when we use any thing so we must know about its goodness and also its badness. Everyone tell me google is best from all aspects. But when I read your post than I find it google has also some bad points. I tell you onething google has trace all information but it is useful sometimes, we take one example like when any place terririst attack being so at that time google will help us to find that specific place. I understand your all point but tell me every information about cookie. What is the meaning of cookie. I am totally unknown about cookie. I also want total information about google goodness. In which place google is most useful comparative to other all. Our Sir always said one sentence to us is "Google is the God of our Future" But today I think it is wrong at sometime. This is Marvelous post try to Make Extra Marvelous post keep it up Danny Dover.

2 0

Hi Buddy,First of all I heartly thankful for this post. I also heatly salute for your imagination and for your work effort for research all data. You are perfectly write right because everyone think about google is best forever & evergreen. But In My point of view when we use any thing so we must know about its goodness and also its badness. Everyone tell me google is best from all aspects. But when I read your post than I find it google has also some bad points. I tell you onething google has trace all information but it is useful sometimes, we take one example like when any place terririst attack being so at that time google will help us to find that specific place. I understand your all point but tell me every information about cookie. What is the meaning of cookie. I am totally unknown about cookie. I also want total information about google goodness. In which place google is most useful comparative to other all. Our Sir always said one sentence to us is "Google is the God of our Future" But today I think it is wrong at sometime. This is Marvelous post try to Make Extra Marvelous post keep it up Danny Dover.
Cancel
wdeloach

2008-06-25T08:42:14-07:00

Great timing on the article. Regardless of the privacy issues, it also helps to show where they can obtain data for the new Ad Planning tool.

I've always thought the biggest threat to Google's advertising empire has been the ISP (not only do they get to sniff all your web usage, they know who you really are and where you really live, and can combine online data with offline data aggregators). Now after seeing this post I'm thinking if Google ever partnered with the ISPs we'd see targeted advertising leap to a whole new level (good or bad depending on your perspective).

2 0

Great timing on the article. Regardless of the privacy issues, it also helps to show where they can obtain data for the new Ad Planning tool. I've always thought the biggest threat to Google's advertising empire has been the ISP (not only do they get to sniff all your web usage, they know who you really are and where you really live, and can combine online data with offline data aggregators). Now after seeing this post I'm thinking if Google ever partnered with the ISPs we'd see targeted advertising leap to a whole new level (good or bad depending on your perspective). 
Cancel
- WW2DogTags
 
 2008-06-25T09:09:54-07:00
 
 Thanks for putting this all together. It's amazing how much they do admit to gathering and makes you wonder what they aren't telling you.
 
 The scariest part of it all is not knowing what they are going to do with all this information...... use it, sell it, rent it, have it taken from them?
 
 1 0
 
 Thanks for putting this all together. It's amazing how much they do admit to gathering and makes you wonder what they aren't telling you. The scariest part of it all is not knowing what they are going to do with all this information...... use it, sell it, rent it, have it taken from them? 
 Cancel
Gidseo

2008-07-04T04:24:42-07:00

That's an aweful lot of information.

Hat tip to Danny for one of the best seomoz posts I've read.

2 0

That's an aweful lot of information. Hat tip to Danny for one of the best seomoz posts I've read. 
Cancel
scottcleland

2008-06-30T12:40:37-07:00

Kudos Danny for your outstanding compilation of all the personally-sensitive-information that Google collects. On my blog, I linked to your post and also added some additional important organizationally-sensitive information that Google collects that many have not thought of. https://www.precursorblog.com/content/j-edgar-google-information-is-power-no-accountability

I am Scott Cleland of Precursor LLC and Netcompetition.org.

2 0

Kudos Danny for your outstanding compilation of all the personally-sensitive-information that Google collects. On my blog, I linked to your post and also added some additional important organizationally-sensitive information that Google collects that many have not thought of. <a href="https://www.precursorblog.com/content/j-edgar-google-information-is-power-no-accountability" rel="nofollow">https://www.precursorblog.com/content/j-edgar-google-information-is-power-no-accountability</a> I am Scott Cleland of Precursor LLC and Netcompetition.org. 
Cancel
- qeorge
 
 2008-07-03T07:25:16-07:00
 
 Many said they trust Google to store this level of information because they inherently trust the company. But even if you trsut Google with your data, they are not the only concern.
 
 Today's ruling about YouTube being forced to hand over a list of every YouTube user, their IP, and every video they have watched should hammer home the point about why such databases should not exist:
 
 https://www.techcrunch.com/2008/07/03/judge-protects-youtubes-source-code-throws-users-to-the-wolves/
 
 I trust this ruling will be overturned, and that Google will take a stand, but how long until one of these rulings stands?
 
 (PS: sorry to comment on an old post)
 
 qeorge edited 2008-07-03T07:27:19-07:00
 2 0
 
 Many said they trust Google to store this level of information because they inherently trust the company. But even if you trsut Google with your data, they are not the only concern. Today's ruling about YouTube being forced to hand over a list of every YouTube user, their IP, and every video they have watched should hammer home the point about why such databases should not exist: <a href="https://www.techcrunch.com/2008/07/03/judge-protects-youtubes-source-code-throws-users-to-the-wolves/" rel="nofollow">https://www.techcrunch.com/2008/07/03/judge-protects-youtubes-source-code-throws-users-to-the-wolves/</a> I trust this ruling will be overturned, and that Google will take a stand, but how long until one of these rulings stands? (PS: sorry to comment on an old post)
 Cancel
solitude

2008-06-25T21:44:19-07:00

Thanks for taking the time to put all of this data together Danny.

2 0

Thanks for taking the time to put all of this data together Danny.
Cancel
CharlesFrith

2008-07-03T22:01:24-07:00

Google is singlehandedly responsible for raising my IQ by a significant amount. I process data faster, more accurately and I waste less time. Now they may turn round and bite me later on in life but right now they are worth all that data they have on me. I'd like to own it myself so I could trade it with Google as an intermediary but I trust Google more than say the accuracy of friends or family to recount what I am about. Sometimes people I know think they know me and they know nothing at all. Google on the other hand has delivered time after time after time for over a decade now.

Just another perspective.

2 0

Google is singlehandedly responsible for raising my IQ by a significant amount. I process data faster, more accurately and I waste less time. Now they may turn round and bite me later on in life but right now they are worth all that data they have on me. I'd like to own it myself so I could trade it with Google as an intermediary but I trust Google more than say the accuracy of friends or family to recount what I am about. Sometimes people I know think they know me and they know nothing at all. Google on the other hand has delivered time after time after time for over a decade now. Just another perspective. 
Cancel
ColleenMonahan

2008-06-25T06:40:21-07:00

After reading this I took some time to really evaluate this without responding off the cuff. Does it concern me? Does this situation have the potential to be devastating? Does it make sense to be upset by all this? Is it really a good thing or a bad thing?

Even when answering these questions in my head, its all just speculation. Anything has the potential to be devistating and anything has the potential to be good or bad.

To be completely truthful, it doesn't really concern me if they have a privacy policy or not because there isn't much they can find out about me that I wouldn't willingly tell someone anyway so if it comes down to, 'well they didn't ask, they just took'... so what?

I applaud them for finding ways to track what their market is doing. As someone who is always harping on our execs to gather as much data about our customers as possible, I think the innovations Google has come up with should be examined and followed. If I could find a way you moniter the content of my customers most read, and responded to emails, you better believe I'd be doing it. If I could find a way to pear into the future and see what my customers are planning to do or taking notes on what to write next..hell yeah I'd be tracking it.

If anything, we should be looking at the tools they have created and finding ways to emulate on a smaller scale rather than debating the fear factor of this potential data collection.

3 1

After reading this I took some time to really evaluate this without responding off the cuff. Does it concern me? Does this situation have the potential to be devastating? Does it make sense to be upset by all this? Is it really a good thing or a bad thing? Even when answering these questions in my head, its all just speculation. Anything has the potential to be devistating and anything has the potential to be good or bad. To be completely truthful, it doesn't really concern me if they have a privacy policy or not because there isn't much they can find out about me that I wouldn't willingly tell someone anyway so if it comes down to, 'well they didn't ask, they just took'... so what? I applaud them for finding ways to track what their market is doing. As someone who is always harping on our execs to gather as much data about our customers as possible, I think the innovations Google has come up with should be examined and followed. If I could find a way you moniter the content of my customers most read, and responded to emails, you better believe I'd be doing it. If I could find a way to pear into the future and see what my customers are planning to do or taking notes on what to write next..hell yeah I'd be tracking it. If anything, we should be looking at the tools they have created and finding ways to emulate on a smaller scale rather than debating the fear factor of this potential data collection. 
Cancel
- Kristy Bolsinger
 
 2008-06-25T09:46:32-07:00
 
 I agree with you in that I don't really have anything to hide. I don't care if they know where I shop online, or what sites I visit on a regular basis. But items such as credit card number, ssn...that's a different story.
 
 1 0
 
 I agree with you in that I don't really have anything to hide. I don't care if they know where I shop online, or what sites I visit on a regular basis. But items such as credit card number, ssn...that's a different story. 
 Cancel
 - ColleenMonahan
 
 2008-06-25T10:11:00-07:00
 
 My first reaction is to say that I agree but as I posted above, what harm do you foresee if they hold your credit card info? Do you save your info with Amazon, ebay, iTunes, or any other site? I can think of at least 4 different sites that I purchase items from on a regular basis that have my info saved. I don't think twice about it. What makes Google any different? Because they may extract it from their toolbar's auto-fill function? Would it be more ethical for them to stipulate that this info is being collected for use in developing better products and services... sure.
 
 In the grand scheme of things I just don't see it being that huge of an issue.
 
 1 1
 
 My first reaction is to say that I agree but as I posted above, what harm do you foresee if they hold your credit card info? Do you save your info with Amazon, ebay, iTunes, or any other site? I can think of at least 4 different sites that I purchase items from on a regular basis that have my info saved. I don't think twice about it. What makes Google any different? Because they may extract it from their toolbar's auto-fill function? Would it be more ethical for them to stipulate that this info is being collected for use in developing better products and services... sure. In the grand scheme of things I just don't see it being that huge of an issue. 
 Cancel
 - Kristy Bolsinger
 
 2008-06-25T11:57:24-07:00
 
 I see your point. I guess my only problem (and it's not something that keeps me up at night) is that I 'give' my cc info to those other sites. Knowingly. And I'm not even saying it's an unethical practice. That's a pretty big discussion in and of itself. I suppose in the grand scheme of things its not that big of a deal, but I wonder how long it will take all of these little things to add up. Then before you know it every move we make is being tracked, both online and off. Okay...so that's a little off track but that is just the basis of where I'm coming from. Basically a slipper slope perspective. That's all.
 
 Bug again...I really do see your point as well. I regularly shop on several sites that have my info stored as well and I don't give that another thought.
 
 1 0
 
 I see your point. I guess my only problem (and it's not something that keeps me up at night) is that I 'give' my cc info to those other sites. Knowingly. And I'm not even saying it's an unethical practice. That's a pretty big discussion in and of itself. I suppose in the grand scheme of things its not that big of a deal, but I wonder how long it will take all of these little things to add up. Then before you know it every move we make is being tracked, both online and off. Okay...so that's a little off track but that is just the basis of where I'm coming from. Basically a slipper slope perspective. That's all. Bug again...I really do see your point as well. I regularly shop on several sites that have my info stored as well and I don't give that another thought. 
 Cancel
Jean Marc Thomas

2008-06-25T03:17:32-07:00

great post, and not too surprising too !

Since Google knows so much stuff about everyone, are there any guys from the governement spying there, to get some infos about "suspicious" people ? Or maybe have they even a direct access to those datas, without being there? I could easily think so, even if Rand mentionned that people working there "have strong personal feelings about data privacy", I don't see how the governement would not use those very intimate informations.

2 0

great post, and not too surprising too ! Since Google knows so much stuff about everyone, are there any guys from the governement spying there, to get some infos about "suspicious" people ? Or maybe have they even a direct access to those datas, without being there? I could easily think so, even if Rand mentionned that people working there "have strong personal feelings about data privacy", I don't see how the governement would not use those very intimate informations. 
Cancel
- Danny Dover
 
 2008-06-25T10:24:37-07:00
 
 The government tries to get data from Google more frequently than you might imagine. The New York Times briefly mentioned one such instance yesterday.
 
 2 0
 
 The government tries to get data from Google more frequently than you might imagine. The New York Times briefly mentioned<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/24/technology/24obscene.html?ex=1372046400&en=6a96980039695dd9&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink" rel="nofollow"> one such instance</a> yesterday. 
 Cancel
Helene Hall

2008-06-25T04:12:12-07:00

Fantastic post Danny and very well researched.

I have to confess that I'm somewhat emotional about my data - whilst I recognise that it's all pretty secure etc, I just don't like the idea of that much data being stored.

Does anyone else feel like this?

2 0

Fantastic post Danny and very well researched. I have to confess that I'm somewhat emotional about my data - whilst I recognise that it's all pretty secure etc, I just don't like the idea of that much data being stored. Does anyone else feel like this?
Cancel
- Kristy Bolsinger
 
 2008-06-25T09:51:39-07:00
 
 I do kind of feel the same way. At this point my e-Identity is probably more dynamic than I am. Wonder if it's better looking?
 
 Also...what's the deal with the spell checker collecting data? Do they care how bad I type, or how unintelligent I can be without the aid of technology?
 
 1 0
 
 I do kind of feel the same way. At this point my e-Identity is probably more dynamic than I am. Wonder if it's better looking? Also...what's the deal with the spell checker collecting data? Do they care how bad I type, or how unintelligent I can be without the aid of technology? 
 Cancel
 - Danny Dover
 
 2008-06-25T10:27:01-07:00
 
 I was curious about that too. My best guess is Google uses the user spell check data to compare it against correct spellings on Google servers. They also use it to improve the "Did you mean?" function on the SERPs.
 
 2 0
 
 I was curious about that too. My best guess is Google uses the user spell check data to compare it against correct spellings on Google servers. They also use it to improve the "Did you mean?" function on the SERPs.
 Cancel
 - Kristy Bolsinger
 
 2008-06-25T11:50:51-07:00
 
 Oh that makes a lot of sense actually. That didn't really dawn on me...thanks for the reply!
 
 1 0
 
 Oh that makes a lot of sense actually. That didn't really dawn on me...thanks for the reply!
 Cancel
 - Helene Hall
 
 2008-06-26T01:23:15-07:00
 
 I would guess they might also use it for broad matching mis-spellings via Adwords...
 
 2 0
 
 I would guess they might also use it for broad matching mis-spellings via Adwords...
 Cancel
 - Danny Dover
 
 2008-06-29T13:41:36-07:00
 
 I found a better answer to your question here. I was partially right.
 
 1 0
 
 I found a better answer to your question <a href="https://www.kk.org/thetechnium/archives/2008/06/the_google_way.php" rel="nofollow">here</a>. I was partially right.
 Cancel
Jean Christofferson

2008-06-24T21:03:01-07:00

I also find it alarming that they have permanent backups. We have data on our customer's activities but we deliberately delete most backups after 30 days and all backups after 6 months. We don't need them and don't see any reason why anyone else should either. But we are not Google.

JeanC57 edited 2008-06-24T21:04:27-07:00
2 0

I also find it alarming that they have permanent backups. We have data on our customer's activities but we deliberately delete most backups after 30 days and all backups after 6 months. We don't need them and don't see any reason why anyone else should either. But we are not Google.
Cancel
jaakennuste

2008-09-29T00:47:28-07:00

Super post! Open another face of Google. Some day somebody will sell all this info to somebody. Who is he/she and how he/she will use it? That's the main question.

Jaak, https://seoapplied.blogspot.com/

1 0

Super post! Open another face of Google. Some day somebody will sell all this info to somebody. Who is he/she and how he/she will use it? That's the main question. Jaak, https://seoapplied.blogspot.com/ 
Cancel
Devin Mills

2008-10-11T15:59:19-07:00

Wow, Google will soon have more data compiled on us than the government, its a necessary evil I guess. The key is to find out how to turn this information into profit for us. I don't mind if Google has all my information if I can tap into that to market more effectively to my target audience.

1 0

Wow, Google will soon have more data compiled on us than the government, its a necessary evil I guess. The key is to find out how to turn this information into profit for us. I don't mind if Google has all my information if I can tap into that to market more effectively to my target audience.
Cancel
DataEntryServices

2008-07-23T10:56:11-07:00

Big Brother is Watching! I guess I should have known this but didn't realize the details and extent of it. They do make mistakes too - they have a couple of items mixed up in my Webmaster account that I know is wrong.

rebecca edited 2008-07-23T11:03:29-07:00
1 0

Big Brother is Watching! I guess I should have known this but didn't realize the details and extent of it. They do make mistakes too - they have a couple of items mixed up in my Webmaster account that I know is wrong.
Cancel
- Danny Dover
 
 2008-07-23T11:01:45-07:00
 
 Care to clarify? Any additional insight would be useful for everyone.
 
 1 0
 
 Care to clarify? Any additional insight would be useful for everyone.
 Cancel
harshakm

2008-10-20T01:20:21-07:00

My God, Never thought Google would Collect so much details... Thanks for the Great Information

1 0

My God, Never thought Google would Collect so much details... Thanks for the Great Information
Cancel
Ricardo01

2008-07-15T00:48:52-07:00

Great information and really a great job. As an SEO expert this information really surprises me as Google usually bands those site who are engaged on blackhat techniques for their promotion whereas google engaging itself by following these hidden methods.

Ricardo01 edited 2008-07-15T01:00:30-07:00
1 0

Great information and really a great job. As an SEO expert this information really surprises me as Google usually bands those site who are engaged on blackhat techniques for their promotion whereas google engaging itself by following these hidden methods.
Cancel
Bureau-24

2008-06-24T18:45:15-07:00

Do they sell this data or just use it to further their own insidious goals? Not that one is any beytter then the other. Also, when you opt out of that web history nonsense are you saying they still continue to track and monitor your activities?

Bureau-24 edited 2008-06-24T18:48:09-07:00
1 0

Do they sell this data or just use it to further their own insidious goals? Not that one is any beytter then the other. Also, when you opt out of that web history nonsense are you saying they still continue to track and monitor your activities?
Cancel
- Danny Dover
 
 2008-06-24T19:13:14-07:00
 
 As far as I can tell they don't sell it, but like I mentioned in the post, Google is very secretive about some of their more intrusive products.
 
 Regarding tracking your web history. Even if you opt out they use cookies to customize your results. Try searching "malpractice" followed by searching for "lawyer". The searches will be linked as indicated by the ads that should say "malpractice lawyer".
 
 2 0
 
 As far as I can tell they don't sell it, but like I mentioned in the post, Google is very secretive about some of their more intrusive products. Regarding tracking your web history. Even if you opt out they use cookies to customize your results. Try searching "malpractice" followed by searching for "lawyer". The searches will be linked as indicated by the ads that should say "malpractice lawyer". 
 Cancel
 - Matt Cutts
 
 2008-06-24T21:03:56-07:00
 
 Danny, that's based on the browser referrer, not cookies.
 
 6 0
 
 Danny, that's based on the browser referrer, not cookies.
 Cancel
 - Danny Dover
 
 2008-06-25T10:02:54-07:00
 
 Yeah, like you would know better than me? What a N00b ;-)
 
 5 0
 
 Yeah, like you would know better than me? What a N00b ;-)
 Cancel
rthrtyudsfgdfg

2012-03-14T00:42:51-07:00

of course they sell your data, and of course they are evil

why would any company have that creepy motto of theirs otherwise. just think about it people. it's like a slap in the face to how naive and trustworthy people are of absolute leeches like these corporations have become.

1 0

of course they sell your data, and of course they are evil why would any company have that creepy motto of theirs otherwise. just think about it people. it's like a slap in the face to how naive and trustworthy people are of absolute leeches like these corporations have become.
Cancel
Javier Lopez Diaz

2016-11-26T00:56:30-08:00

Thanks Danny. I read you every day,

1 0

Thanks Danny. I read you every day,
Cancel
rehabguy

2008-06-24T18:31:56-07:00

Excellent work!

People worry about the Government monitoring cell phone calls they receive from Iran (ie: "wire tapping") but Google knows more about you than your own mother!

This is a link-worthy effort unless you get a -900 penalty from Google because of it...

1 0

Excellent work! People worry about the Government monitoring cell phone calls they receive from Iran (ie: "wire tapping") but Google knows more about you than your own mother! This is a link-worthy effort unless you get a -900 penalty from Google because of it...
Cancel
- MitchTurck
 
 2008-06-25T09:19:42-07:00
 
 Huh? I thought Google was our government. Guess I jumped the gun by about 3 years... soon enough...
 
 2 0
 
 Huh? I thought Google was our government. Guess I jumped the gun by about 3 years... soon enough...
 Cancel
Schnucki

2010-02-24T01:24:01-08:00

By the way...

Seomoz.org uses google-analytics too...

Best way to go safely and anonymously through internet, is to block cookies (from google) or save them only for session.

I use Firefox with "AdBlock Plus" where you can permantly block any Site you want (e.g. google analytics / adsense etc.). Another useful Add-On is "Cookie Button".

Use a Proxy like "Proxomitron" or "TOR". I think things will be fine...

But on the other hand, everything that is posted here will be safed and maybe analysed to make a User-Profile. Who cares? Do You?

1 0

By the way... Seomoz.org uses google-analytics too... Best way to go safely and anonymously through internet, is to block cookies (from google) or save them only for session. I use Firefox with "AdBlock Plus" where you can permantly block any Site you want (e.g. google analytics / adsense etc.). Another useful Add-On is "Cookie Button". Use a Proxy like "Proxomitron" or "TOR". I think things will be fine... But on the other hand, everything that is posted here will be safed and maybe analysed to make a User-Profile. Who cares? Do You?
Cancel
Pulkit ILoveFashionRetail.com

2008-06-24T23:16:39-07:00

Yet another rich post Danny. Correct me if I am wrong, it's technically impossible for a website to retrieve cookies dropped by another website. For a moment let's think other wise, imagine websites agreeing to grant access to each other's dropped cookies. I mean Google serving me search results and ads based on the cookies dropped by Facebook or Youtube serving me music videos based on the search I did on mtv.com

PulkitRas edited 2008-06-24T23:52:58-07:00
1 0

Yet another rich post Danny. Correct me if I am wrong, it's technically impossible for a website to retrieve cookies dropped by another website. For a moment let's think other wise, imagine websites agreeing to grant access to each other's dropped cookies. I mean Google serving me search results and ads based on the cookies dropped by Facebook or Youtube serving me music videos based on the search I did on mtv.com
Cancel
- special_k-23808
 
 2008-06-25T03:55:33-07:00
 
 just a note:
 
 Facebook run google ads and mtv.com use analytics.
 
 Google can track people or drop cookies in many different locations in many different ways.
 
 2 0
 
 just a note: Facebook run google ads and mtv.com use analytics. Google can track people or drop cookies in many different locations in many different ways. 
 Cancel
 - whencanistop
 
 2008-06-26T04:59:26-07:00
 
 Just as a bit of technical advice - a server can only access its own cookies. If Google drops a cookie on a facebook page, only Google can see that cookie. Google of course can only drop a cookie on a facebook page if facebook allow them to. And Google can only see its own cookies if something on that pages loads from Google's server.
 
 I think the first bit of the list mentioning JS, web beacons and server requests should come before the mention of cookies. Cookies can't measure anything. All they do is have a unique id so that you can link all the js, web beacon or server requests back together to a unique browser. Google would still measure all these things without cookies, but they'd have to come up with another method of linking it all together (eg IP/browser).
 
 2 0
 
 Just as a bit of technical advice - a server can only access its own cookies. If Google drops a cookie on a facebook page, only Google can see that cookie. Google of course can only drop a cookie on a facebook page if facebook allow them to. And Google can only see its own cookies if something on that pages loads from Google's server. I think the first bit of the list mentioning JS, web beacons and server requests should come before the mention of cookies. Cookies can't measure anything. All they do is have a unique id so that you can link all the js, web beacon or server requests back together to a unique browser. Google would still measure all these things without cookies, but they'd have to come up with another method of linking it all together (eg IP/browser). 
 Cancel
 - Danny Dover
 
 2008-06-26T10:42:15-07:00
 
 Thanks for the clarification. I didn't look at the tracking process from the perspective of the cookie merely being a id marker. Good call
 
 1 0
 
 Thanks for the clarification. I didn't look at the tracking process from the perspective of the cookie merely being a id marker. Good call
 Cancel
GauravKohli20

2009-06-24T03:28:20-07:00

Google must be spending a fortune on this data collection and analysis !!

1 0

Google must be spending a fortune on this data collection and analysis !!
Cancel
Andrea Start

2008-06-26T08:41:50-07:00

So when the Google OS and Google Browser come out, will the TOS agreement include users signing over their souls in blood?

andreastart edited 2008-06-26T08:55:03-07:00
1 0

So when the Google OS and Google Browser come out, will the TOS agreement include users signing over their souls in blood?
Cancel
Paul Montwill

2008-06-25T01:35:37-07:00

One they Google will know you better than you know yourself.

One thing that concerns me... have you ever heard about Google servers to be HACKED? Nobody wants to do that or what?

Can you imagine how much this data is worth? Information from Google checkout is already worth a lot of $$$.

1 0

One they Google will know you better than you know yourself. One thing that concerns me... have you ever heard about Google servers to be HACKED? Nobody wants to do that or what? Can you imagine how much this data is worth? Information from Google checkout is already worth a lot of $$$. 
Cancel
- Kristy Bolsinger
 
 2008-06-25T09:53:16-07:00
 
 I know they are they allmighty Google, and no one wants to think this is a possibility...but is it? What is the chances of their servers being hacked? Goodness I hope not. Then the whole world would know how much money I spend on iTunes. Gah!
 
 1 0
 
 I know they are they allmighty Google, and no one wants to think this is a possibility...but is it? What is the chances of their servers being hacked? Goodness I hope not. Then the whole world would know how much money I spend on iTunes. Gah!
 Cancel
- Danny Dover
 
 2008-06-25T10:19:32-07:00
 
 As is the case with all major networks with internet access, I am sure Google's servers are under constant attack from hackers. Have they succedded yet? Doubtful. But every minute of everyday someone is looking for a vulnerability in Google's security.
 
 1 0
 
 As is the case with all major networks with internet access, I am sure Google's servers are under constant attack from hackers. Have they succedded yet? Doubtful. But every minute of everyday someone is looking for a vulnerability in Google's security.
 Cancel
Nuno Hipólito

2008-06-25T02:42:37-07:00

Great analysis, but i would like to see what the end impact is on SEO, for example. That would make for an excelent post.

2 1

Great analysis, but i would like to see what the end impact is on SEO, for example. That would make for an excelent post.
Cancel
Godric

2008-06-25T02:57:53-07:00

Great post and definitely something to keep my eyes on for the future. Some information, even though you're expecting it, did freak me out a little. As long as the data sleeps on the servers I don't see any harm. However my head is spinning now around all sorts of different ways to use this data for evil (money making)!

1 0

Great post and definitely something to keep my eyes on for the future. Some information, even though you're expecting it, did freak me out a little. As long as the data sleeps on the servers I don't see any harm. However my head is spinning now around all sorts of different ways to use this data for evil (money making)! 
Cancel
TShears

2008-06-25T06:31:36-07:00

It's slightly concerning how google doesn't have privacy policies on some of their services, just makes the mind wander as to what they might be collecting.

Danny, thanks for the informative post! Certainly an eye opener, but not really suprising. In all honesty, it feels like they should be using more information.

1 0

It's slightly concerning how google doesn't have privacy policies on some of their services, just makes the mind wander as to what they might be collecting. Danny, thanks for the informative post! Certainly an eye opener, but not really suprising. In all honesty, it feels like they should be using more information. 
Cancel
Ankit Rawat

2008-06-24T23:25:03-07:00

Post with lots of juice .. thanks for sharing !!

1 0

Post with lots of juice .. thanks for sharing !!
Cancel
PaulFromJingle

2008-06-25T11:13:11-07:00

What's slightly frightening is that there are not a lot of well-known alternatives to Google's data collection. Sure, there are other search engines, but I don't think the average user, unless working very consciously, can avoid giving Google some of his/her information eventually.

Of course, that's not as true for the smaller Google services, for example, Microsoft Office is still preferred over Google Docs, and 1-800-FREE411 is a great option over Goog-411 (we don't collect your info, and we actually offer a wider range of listings). But even for the smaller services, how secure is the information they collect? I feel pretty safe at this moment, but in 20 years will all this data still be un-hackable?

1 0

What's slightly frightening is that there are not a lot of well-known alternatives to Google's data collection. Sure, there are other search engines, but I don't think the average user, unless working very consciously, can avoid giving Google some of his/her information eventually. Of course, that's not as true for the smaller Google services, for example, Microsoft Office is still preferred over Google Docs, and 1-800-FREE411 is a great option over Goog-411 (we don't collect your info, and we actually offer a wider range of listings). But even for the smaller services, how secure is the information they collect? I feel pretty safe at this moment, but in 20 years will all this data still be un-hackable? 
Cancel
zachary-44143

2008-06-25T13:51:57-07:00

Nice Work Danny!

1 0

Nice Work Danny!
Cancel
Gleb Suvorov

2008-06-25T15:45:50-07:00

Ofcourse, google is collecting data not only from google toolbar, serps and analytics.. I think Adsense is used too.We wrote some parameters to use it in SeoQuake (FireFox seo plugin), so you can see all Gtrends data just in SERP or visiting site. (looks like alexa toolbar). You can get it here https://addons.seoquake.com/params/index.php?sln=en&browse=2&tag=google&res_lim=10

1 0

Ofcourse, google is collecting data not only from google toolbar, serps and analytics.. I think Adsense is used too.We wrote some parameters to use it in SeoQuake (FireFox seo plugin), so you can see all Gtrends data just in SERP or visiting site. (looks like alexa toolbar). You can get it here https://addons.seoquake.com/params/index.php?sln=en&browse=2&tag=google&res_lim=10
Cancel
DanaLookadoo

2008-06-25T15:10:47-07:00

Fantastic revalation (or is it Revalations)!

Danny's

Example of a Web Beacon (What you can't see it? That is the point.)

...reminds me of the wind. You can't see the wind, but you can feel its affects and know it's there. (Guess faith is like that, but too many odd and often narcissistic interpretations by men have messed up perceptions, understandably.)

I did keep thinking 666 as I read this and enjoyed Brent's take.

Paradox: Most of us are in the business of making sure we get found on Google. We optimize our sites and our social profiles so we can lay it all bare so we can be found.

Google Trends' privacy statement mentions using a robots.txt file to disallow the Googlebot if you don't want info shared. Not! Are we laying our lives up on the search altar to be burned as a result?

1 0

Fantastic revalation (or is it Revalations)! Danny's <blockquote>Example of a Web Beacon (What you can't see it? That is the point.)</blockquote> ...reminds me of the wind. You can't see the wind, but you can feel its affects and know it's there. (Guess faith is like that, but too many odd and often narcissistic interpretations by men have messed up perceptions, understandably.) I did keep thinking 666 as I read this and enjoyed Brent's take. Paradox: Most of us are in the business of making sure we get found on Google. We optimize our sites and our social profiles so we can lay it all bare so we can be found. Google Trends' privacy statement mentions using a robots.txt file to disallow the Googlebot if you don't want info shared. Not! Are we laying our lives up on the search altar to be burned as a result?
Cancel
HVASCO

2008-06-25T04:16:40-07:00

OMG ...hhhawwwww ... :O

just kiddin . . :)

I knew it . . since the day Google launch universal search

HVASCO edited 2008-06-25T04:17:09-07:00
1 1

OMG ...hhhawwwww ... :O just kiddin . . :) I knew it . . since the day Google launch universal search 
Cancel
Bluebonic

2008-06-25T06:34:15-07:00

Mormon Power. We finally unite.

1 1

Mormon Power. We finally unite.
Cancel
justFred

2008-06-25T01:16:29-07:00

This list is HUGE, but I'm not surprise. This post is awesome though, and I'm going to have to vote/link to it.

I was once asked by [an anonymous] Google Engineer if I knew what it's like to have a Terabyte of RAM. Of course I don't, that's outrageous! And they have machines (well, networks of machines) like that running 95% system resources around the clock.

He says.. the other 5% are reserved for browsing, e-mail, typing up documents, and playing Minesweeper, which he loves.

No.. do not ask me for a name. You won't get it.

1 1

This list is HUGE, but I'm not surprise. This post is awesome though, and I'm going to have to vote/link to it. I was once asked by [an anonymous] Google Engineer if I knew what it's like to have a Terabyte of RAM. Of course I don't, that's outrageous! And they have machines (well, networks of machines) like that running 95% system resources around the clock. He says.. the other 5% are reserved for browsing, e-mail, typing up documents, and playing Minesweeper, which he loves. No.. do not ask me for a name. You won't get it. 
Cancel
paisley amoeba

2008-06-25T06:59:41-07:00

mmmmm.... data.... yummy!@

1 1

mmmmm.... data.... yummy!@
Cancel

Post Analytics

Data	Size (TB)
Crawl Index	800
Google Analytics	200
Google Base	2
Google Earth	70
Orkut	9
Personalized Search	4

Comments 119

Log in to Moz

Don't have an account?