Google Calls for International Privacy Laws – Proactive or Preemptive?
Google, increasingly under fire for its extensive collecting of user information is calling today for international privacy laws.
The proposal follows the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Privacy Framework, which has been endorsed by many of the APEC nations, including Australia and Hong Kong, but not all. China, for instance, does not endorse it, Fleischer said.
“Google believes we need to work together to create minimum global standards, partly by law and partly by self-regulation,” Fleischer said in a telephone conference call. “We need a collaboration between government and the private sector.”
The APEC framework “promotes a flexible approach to information privacy protection” and is a “practical policy approach to enable accountability in the flow of data while preventing impediments to trade,” according to the group’s fact sheet. The nine principles of the framework are: preventing harm; integrity of personal information; notice; security safeguards; collection limitations; access and correction; uses of personal information; accountability; and choice.
What does Google know about you? Concerned? Google has a lengthy privacy policy page.
Here’s a helpful chart from PCWorld.ca on what Google collects.
Service Risks Google Search Privacy:Tying your search history to your browsing activities via the DoubleClick advertising network gives the company a much more detailed view of your online activities. Gmail Privacy:The routing information and content of your mail–including any attachments–reside unencrypted on Google servers. Legal liability: Loss of, or unauthorized access to, business correspondence increases your company’s legal exposure. Google Docs and Spreadsheets Privacy:Your files are stored unencrypted on Google servers. Legal liability: A business could be found negligent if it loses, or allows unauthorized access to, business documents. Loss of access: Until applications supporting Google Gears arrive, you lose access to your files when your Internet connection fails. Picasa Web Albums Privacy:Photographs in albums designated “unlisted” can still be viewed by anyone who knows the URL. Loss of access: At present you have no option to view or back up your albums offline. Google Calendar Privacy:Your daily schedule and associated information reside unencrypted on Google servers. Legal liability: Loss of, or unauthorized access to, business information puts your company at risk. Loss of access: You can’t open your calendar without an Internet link, although this will change with the arrival of the Google Gears browser extension. Google Desktop Privacy:If you neglect to lock the search function, anyone using your PC has access to your personal files. Legal liability: Copies of business documents may be stored on Google servers, making them susceptible to loss or unauthorized access. Google Talk Privacy:Instant-message logs can be archived and searched in Gmail. Google Product Search Privacy:A log of your product searches could be associated with your browsing history via the pending DoubleClick acquisition.