Google Introduces AdSense Transparency Tools

On Monday, Google announced a new set of tools to help users determine and control which ads they see while using Google search or Gmail. From their announcement:

Ever been searching Google for something and you saw an ad displayed and thought, “How the hell is that relevant?” Now with a single click you can see why Google paired that ad with you and block others from annoying sources.

While I feel this is a step in the right direction, I still recommend logging out of Google services before using their search tool and clearing your cookies religiously. This will help ensure your search results are less biased towards previous activities and searches you have performed on Google.

Their announcement also included a video giving an overview of the new tools, and how to use them. I have embedded the video below for your convenience.


Verizon Alters TOS to Profit from Customer Data

Verizon Wireless has updated their Privacy Policy, allowing them to collect your Web browsing history, cell phone location and app usage for third-party marketing purposes. Verizon wired customers (examples: Verizon FiOS Internet, DSL) are also subject to the changes and can expect more targeted ads based on their geographical location. How will Verizon supply this data, and how can we expect marketers to use it? From the PCMag.com article:

“For the business and marketing reports offered by Verizon Wireless, records about Web sites visited, cell phone locations and other consumer data will be combined (or aggregated) to compile reports that provide businesses with insights about their customers,” Nelson said. “For example, these insights may include the demographics (age ranges, gender, etc.) and interests (such as ‘pet lovers’ or ‘tennis enthusiasts’) of visitors to a Web site, or commuters who might pass an outdoor billboard. These aggregate reports could be used by Web publishers to help provide content that is more appealing to users, or to help advertisers better select the ads they will display on outdoor billboards or at other venues.”

The data will be aggregated before it is distributed to third-parties. If you do not want to be part of this process, Verizon offers a way to opt-out online or you can call 1-866-211-0874 to talk to a Verizon representative.


Facebook Allegedly Violating U.S. Wiretap Statutes

According to an article on The Register, a Mississippi woman filed a lawsuit on Wednesday alleging Facebook of breach of contract, unjust enrichment, trespassing and invasion of privacy. She alleges that by Facebook tracking her internet browsing history after she logs out of their service, they are violating federal wiretap statutes. From the complaint:

“Leading up to September 23, 2011, Facebook tracked, collected, and stored its users’ wire or electronic communications, including but not limited to portions of their internet browsing history even when the users were not logged-in to Facebook,” the 17-page complaint stated. “Plaintiff did not give consent or otherwise authorize Facebook to intercept, track, collect, and store her wire or electronic communications, including but not limited to her internet browsing history when not logged-in to Facebook.”

We talked about Facebook’s questionable user tracking process before as well as the government and privacy groups requesting the FTC to investigate these claims. This latest addition to the Facebook privacy scandal now brings civil legal action which could grow to class-action status.


People, Not Tech, Act Unethically

When I initially heard about Apple’s new Find My Friends app, the first thing that came to mind were the ethical implications. How long before I read about the app being used to track an unknowing subject? Unfortunately, it didn’t take long before I got my answer.

Take the following post found on the MacRumors Forum:

Divorcing wife. Thanks iPhone 4s and Find My Friends

I got my wife a new 4s and loaded up find my friends without her knowing. She told me she was at her friends house in the east village. I’ve had suspicions about her meeting this guy who live uptown. Lo and behold, Find my Friends has her right there.

I just texted her asking where she was and the dumb b!otch said she was on 10th Street!! Thank you Apple, thank you App Store, thank you all. These beautiful treasure trove of screen shots going to play well when I meet her a$$ at the lawyer’s office in a few weeks.

thankfully, she’s the rich one.

Some users in the forum are questioning the legitimacy of the post, but the scenario is possible. It is only a matter of time before this or a similar story blow up in the media. People need to realize that technology does not have a moral compass. It merely provides tools to enhance our lives. No matter how many safeguards are put in place, the user ultimately decides on how to use it, and they should be held accountable for their actions.


Privacy Groups Request FTC Investigate Facebook’s User Tracking Practices

Facebook’s privacy woes are anything but over. On Wednesday, nine privacy groups requested the FTC to investigate Facebook’s user tracking practices. From BGR:

The American Civil Liberties Union, the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) and seven other privacy groups have contacted the U.S. Federal Trade Commission asking it to investigate Facebook for “secretly tracking users after they logged off of Facebook’s webpage.”

Additional information was found via AP.

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