Back in April (I know, it seems a lifetime ago - Before Election) a remarkable letter was sent to Google by the Privacy / Information Commissioners of ten countries, including the UK.
The letter sets out privacy concerns about an array of Google products and services. They have significant criticisms about Buzz, Gmail and Streetview. I know that we're all gripped by the election fall-out but, chances are, you are affected by one or more of those products, so this is worth bearing in mind.
This paragraph from the letter sums up the view from the Commissioners, and the problem with Google as I see it:
It is unacceptable to roll out a product that unilaterally renders personal information public, with the intention of repairing problems later as they arise. Privacy cannot be sidelined in the rush to introduce new technologies to online audiences around the world.
Which is the point I made when Street View was rolled out across the UK.
Google has now responded to the letter from the Commissioners.
Fine. But one thing that doesn't get addressed in the exchange is the fact that Google Maps can be combined with wi-fi provision to display the location of users.
Think about that for a second. Perhaps it applies to the computer or handheld device on which you're reading this now. You can see this at work if you go onto Google Maps and click the blue "where am I?" button, above the little "Street View" man (the issues about which, I leave for another day). It's useful - if you're lost. But think about the other potential uses. For the mischievous. For the malicious. For the state. If a device can locate itself, it can be located.
I've been impressed by Google's willingness to enter into conversation with constructive critics Big Brother Watch and Privacy International - there's certainly more interaction and response than one gets when pointing out what one perceives to be flaws with things run by the state. But concerns like these aren't going away.
I note that the Commissioners didn't raise issues with Google's search engine itself, perhaps the most important of all. I imagine you've used it today. When I was looking for the text of the original letter, it was easy to find. I Googled it.
Over at Spiked Online, an interesting set of essays about Google.
