Google claims they are getting rid of over 60 different privacy policies across Google and replacing them with one that’s a lot shorter and easier to read. Their new policy covers multiple products and features, reflecting their desire to create one simple and intuitive experience across Google. Read their updated Privacy Policy and Terms of Service at http://www.google.com/policies. These changes will take effect on March 1, 2012.
Here’s a brief overview of what they’re sending out to account holders.
Easy to work across Google:
Their new policy reflects a single product experience that does what you need, when you want it to. Whether you’re reading an email that reminds you to schedule a family get-together or finding a favorite video that you want to share, they want to ensure you can move across Gmail, Calendar, Search, YouTube, or whatever your life calls for with ease.
Tailored for you:
If you’re signed into Google, they can do things like suggest search queries – or tailor your search results – based on the interests you’ve expressed in Google+, Gmail, and YouTube. They’ll better understand which version of Pink or Jaguar you’re searching for and get you those results faster.
Easy to share and collaborate:
When you post or create a document online, you often want others to see and contribute. By remembering the contact information of the people you want to share with, they’ll make it easy for you to share in any Google product or service with minimal clicks and errors.
Protecting your privacy hasn’t changed:
Google’s goal is to provide you with as much transparency and choice as possible, through products like Google Dashboard and Ads Preferences Manager, alongside other tools. Their privacy principles remain unchanged. And they’ll never sell your personal information or share it without your permission (other than rare circumstances like valid legal requests).
Got questions? They’ve got answers:
Visit Google’s FAQ at http://www.google.com/policies/faq to read more about the changes.
About Brad Andersohn