Beginning March 1, 2012 the only way you will be able to opt out of the new Google privacy policy is to stop using Google services. Whether you continue to use their services or you decide to leave Google, there are some privacy concerns that you should be aware of.
Your Browsing History
The clock is ticking and you now have less than one week to delete your Google browsing history before it becomes a permanent part of your profile. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) provides instructions on how you can delete your Google web history before Google’s all-in-one new privacy policy takes effect.
Google’s Dashboard
PCWorld’s, Ian Paul recommends Dashboard: ”If you’re concerned about Google’s new privacy policy there are several things you can do to manage that information. You can use Google’s Dashboard to review and edit almost every Google service you use, you can also opt-out of DoubleClick ad tracking, as well as manage the types of ads that Google will serve you.”
Ads Preferences Manager
Opt-out of Google’s Display Network ads. You can do this while logged into your Google account by accessing the Ads Preferences Manager.
What You Share Online
Everything that you choose to share online can become a permanent part of your Internet history. Do you really have to list your birthday, address, phone number or your current location? Remember to always think before you post.
Our new Privacy Policy makes clear that, if you’re signed in, we may combine information you’ve provided from one service with information from other services. In short, we’ll treat you as a single user across all our products, which will mean a simpler, more intuitive Google experience.
Cocoon: A Simple & Free Solution
Our Privacy Policy is transparent and succinct. We feel that you will have a simpler, more intuitive web experience if control is placed in the hands of the user.
We feel that Google Inc. and other popular Internet companies have been allowed too much access to Internet users’ computers and personal data,” said Vernon Irvin, President and CEO of Virtual World Computing. “Last week, the FTC was asked to investigate Google for Safari cookies, and yesterday, Microsoft claimed Google is doing much the same thing with Internet Explorer. Facebook and many other sites are also tracking user data. Internet users should be informed that there are tools available, such as Cocoon, that give Internet consumers control of their private information.
Cocoon protects you from tracking cookies by Google, Facebook, and other online companies. Cocoon software prevents Internet users from directly touching a more privacy invasive Internet. Consumers’ online privacy is protected because websites and advertisers only see Cocoon’s Digital Protection Cloud(tm), hiding unique IP address and preventing online activity from being tracked by cookies. Unlike traditional anti-virus software, Cocoon prevents malicious software and virus downloads by instantly scanning files for viruses before they reach the computer. Additionally, Cocoon offers disposable email addresses, protecting personal email boxes from spam and phishing attacks.
Take control of your privacy online and download Cocoon today! (Currently available for Firefox and Internet Explorer).
