10 Nations Send Open Letter to Google: Protect Our Privacy

[Luisks]

In an open letter to Google CEO Eric Schmidt, Jennifer Stoddart (Federal Privacy Commissioner in Canada) and the heads of the data protection authorities in France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand Spain and the United Kingdom have expressed concern about various privacy issues related to some of Google's services.

To be more precise, are concerned about privacy in Google Street View, where many still images (no filter) that expose the privacy of individuals, and Google Buzz, to convert an e-mail service "private" a social network.

Therefore, demand a response from Google and list some general principles that Google should incorporate into their online services:

*Gather and update only the minimum amount of information necessary to achieve the purpose of your product or service

* Provide clear and unambiguous information about how personal information is used to allow users to provide their consent

* Create a default configuration that protects the privacy

* Ensure that the control of privacy settings occupy a prominent and easy to use

* Ensure that all personal data are adequately protected

* Give people simple procedures to remove their accounts in a timely manner

While the problem of Street View is in the air, it seems that the issue of Buzz (although that was already fixed) cost him dearly Google.

In this sense, Google launched a tool which shows the applications of government agencies worldwide to remove content or provide information about users of services and products. The map shows the number of applications received between July 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009, with certain limitations but it is clear that Brazil leads the list of applications with some cases already discussed in court.

The information is not available because China is considered a "state secret" in that country, said Google.

The company said that "the vast majority of these requirements are valid and the information required is for legitimate criminal investigations or to remove child pornography."

 

[Ph?bus]

I think the mods should make another sub forum. Tech Talk for threads like this,
and a Computer Hardware and Building sub forum.
YOU MODS READ THAT? Lol

 

[Luisks]

Yes, but, is that no where else to put this type of information!.

and you're right!
Mods, should make a subforum for this, for these things!

 

[Jiggly]

Well written post, I believe our privacy should be kept - but whatever you can see in street-view anyone can see by walking by so I don't really see the difference.