Earlier this week, Google announced that it would be updating its privacy policy and consolidating 70 unique policies down to one, single document. The rollout is scheduled for March 1, 2012.
Your Google products will still look and work the same. The privacy update supports the evolution towards a fully integrated suite of Google products that all share your information with the end goal of offering a simple, intuitive experience to users.
The main change will be for Google Accounts. If you’re signed into one Google account, Google will be able to access information from that product and use it to fill in the gaps for another product.
This policy shift is no big surprise as we’ve been noticing a trend towards simpler, more transparent policies globally.
What does this mean for you?
This change promises more personalized search results from a variety of sources. For example, if you search for Thai food in Minneapolis, you’ll not only get results from the web but you’ll also see relevant Google+ posts and photos. So, if someone from one of your circles posted a picture of Pad Thai while they were at Roat Osha, Google will add that photo to your search results.
Google is also suggesting that sharing your information between Google products allows them to offer more helpful feedback. Feedback unique and relevant to you. For example, if you’re taking a trip to Mexico, by sharing more information within Google products, you’ll probably see ads about traveling to Mexico. Google will also be able to auto correct misspelled names or even notify you if you’re going to be late to pick up your kids based on your calendar, your location and what traffic is like. Wow, that’s powerful! Keep in mind you still need to drive your car (at least until the autonomous car is here).
What isn’t changing?
Google is still committed to data liberation and they will not sell your personal information. You still have the ability to turn off certain types of ads and set privacy information within Google+ circles. Whew!
For more information, watch this quick video.
