Google Desktop Search: The Feds Own Your Data

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2-0-Sixx

2-0-Sixx

Sicc OG
#1
May 13, 2002
49,944
47,801
113
45
Seattle
www.socialistworld.net
#1
February 09, 2006
SOURCE

Google's new Desktop Search could prove to be the biggest government invasion of privacy of all time. The new tool lets you store your desktop data on Google servers. So when the feds come with a subpoena (or without one, as they frequently do), they'll be able to search through your PC's files.

The technology behind the new features is certainly clever, and there's a great deal to be said for it. If you store your data on Google servers, you'll be able to do a search on that PC wherever you are. So if you're traveling, or at another PC, you get immediate access to your data.

But that comes at a serious price. Google says that your data will be kept private. But keep in mind that Google also complies with most subpoenas from the government, and so it may be forced to turn over your data to the feds or other law enforcement officials if they come calling.

The other issue, of course, is whether Google will be able to keep your data safe from snoops and hackers. It has a very good track record so far -- but who knows what the future holds?

This is a bad enough problem for individuals. But it's far more dangerous for enterprises, because sensitive corporate data is housed on many PCs in an organization.

There's plenty else to like about the new Google Desktop, although I still think that Copernic Desktop is a far better searcher.

So if you do install the new Google Desktop, make sure that you disable the "Search Across Computers" feature --- doing that will keep your data only on your own PC.
 
DubbC415

DubbC415

Mickey Fallon
#2
Sep 10, 2002
22,620
6,984
0
39
Tomato Alley
#2
all part of the Patriot Act and all this "wiretapping" bullshit everyones talking about. wiretapping is not just for phones and is actually not usually what they mean. in this day in age, theyre doing datamining, and searching for shit on peoples computers. the question is whats wrong and whats right to look at on the internet. i feel that a lot of shit thats on the internet that may be illegal should still be legal to look at (i.e. it doesnt mean ur taking part in anything).

for instance something that is bad that shouldnt be on the interent but sometimes is: kiddie porn. now does that make u a criminal if u come across it? because ur deemed a criminal if u own kiddie porn. and im not saying its right to look at it, at all, im just saying i think it should be clearly defined what is and isnt illegal.

also, i'll admit i'll look at racist websites every now and then cuz that shit intrigues me, and i'll reference it for papers in class and shit. but does that mean if they go through my shit that i'm liable for their thinking that im tryin to join the brotherhood or something? its just confusing to me.

one last thing, most of this datamining stuff will be used to "stop terrorism", and so again, if im researching shit on google and typing in "jihad" or something like, mixed with other words...whats to say if its illegal activity or not?

all of this is just hypothetical, and is just a question.
 
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