Should people be concerned about their Google web history, in light of the new privacy policies?

Well it’s finally here. On March 1, 2012, Google’ new and much talked about privacy policy changes when into effect. Basically, what the company has done is taken of all its policies, which are said to have been comprised of more than 60 different terms and conditions relating to how user data is shared across its services, and streamline them into a single policy. According to Google, it only wants to create a better and more convenient experience for the internet user. Still, that has done little to calm the concerns of those who feel like the internet giant already knows too much about them. Inside Google’s New Policy The concerns over Google’s recently introduced privacy policy is all about the data. From now on, all data a user has on file with the company will be connected and used to provide a seamless experience no matter where they dwell within its services. So for example, a user who visits YouTube may receive video recommendations based on their activity on Google+. The data a user has in their Gmail contacts may prevent them from making mistakes when entering the name of a friend or business associate in Docs. From search to social, this new policy is enabling Google to connect of all its dots. But is that a good thing? Hint of a Hidden Agenda Many people know that Google is arguably the most powerful brand in the internet world, yet few know how it makes its money. The company has multiple revenue sources, but main one is advertising. It is a robust and wide reaching advertising network that drives most of Google’s reported $38 billion annual revenue. No one knows its true intentions, but it is easy to assume that one reason the company has decided to consolidate all those privacy policies is to serve up precious user data on a platter to advertising partners. It’s all about targeting, and the more information advertisers have on internet users, the more relevant they can make their content in hopes of generating a response. Google’s Way of the Highway Initially, one of the biggest problems critics had with Google changing its privacy policies was the decision to give users no say in the matter. That’s right. Users cannot opt out of the new policy or prevent Google from sharing their data across its services in any other way. Despite efforts of the Electronic Privacy Information Center and other privacy advocates to have the FTC look into the changes, everything the internet company is doing appears to be on the up and up as far as legalities. The only choice concerned users have is to stop using Google services. Google’s new privacy policy may be a little unsettling, but at least one comforting thing to note is that it is not requiring users to hand over any more information than they are already sharing with the company. And while the changes don’t appear to be as big a deal as some of the critics are making, consumers have every right to be worried about their personal data when the unpredictable internet is involved.