This is a neat article from Kim Komando about Google's new privacy policy going into effect on March 1, 2012. I do not know totally how to take it other than they are tying everything together so they can mass market to us. This is a short but good read:
Unraveling Google's updated privacy policy
QUESTION
Hi Kim. I use Google services all the time - Search and Maps, of course, as well as Docs, Calendar and Finance. I'm concerned about Google's new privacy policy and how the company is going to track me and use my information. Should I be worried? Thanks.
-Sean of Tulsa, OK, listens to my national radio show on KRMG 740 AM/102.3 FM.
ANSWER
Thanks for the timely question, Sean, and for tuning in to the show every weekend. I don't think Google's new privacy policy is quite the end of the world, as some critics contend. But the change is important and deserves your attention.
For those who haven't heard, on March 1, 2012, Google will roll out a consolidated privacy policy that covers almost all of its products. Currently, it has more than 70 separate privacy documents!
What this change means in practice is that you'll be treated as a single user across all Google products. All your privacy settings will be the same and all your data will available to every other Google service.
Google says this will create a safer, more intuitive experience for users. With the unified platform, for instance, Maps could automatically provide driving directions based on an appointment you've just made in Calendar.
Your searches can become more contextual. If you watch YouTube videos on healthy cooking, Google Search will return healthy recipes first when searching for new dishes to make. You can decide for yourself whether that's cool or creepy.
But make no mistake: Google is also doing this to bring in more targeted advertising revenue and to compete with rival behemoth, Facebook.
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