FTC Complaint filed against Google Buzz for alleged privacy violations (copy of original complaint included)

February 17, 2010 by pfeifer

: Image via Wikipedia

Google Buzz, the new social networking tool released by Google just a week ago, was hit with an FTC complaint on Tuesday of this week. The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) filed a 16 page GoogleBuzz_Complaint with the FTC, alleging that Google Buzz violates the privacy of Gmail (Google email) users. The EPIC complaint alleges that Google “is engaging in unfair and deceptive acts and practices,” violated user privacy rights, and “may have also violated federal wiretapping laws.”

The EPIC complaint demonstrates in detail how the Google Buzz system violated Gmail user privacy by automating the process of who was able to follow the user, based on that user’s email history. Users were not explicitly warned that their profile would be available to the public, or that anyone in their email profile had access to their posts. The system also automatically creates a list of followers from the user’s email account, thereby disclosing to the public the people with whom the user has frequently emailed.

While Google has made two major revisions to Google Buzz since it was launched, it still has a long way to go before it can be deemed safe to use. I am a huge fan of Gmail, and I was looking forward to Google Buzz until I actually tried it. I was stunned to see that I already had “followers” as soon as I opened Buzz, without having the opportunity to decide who could follow me and who couldn’t. Unlike Facebook, where a person has to approve a “friend” before they are allowed access to your profile, Google Buzz puts everything on public display first. I have not spoken to anyone who actually likes Buzz, and I do not plan to make use of it until Google gets a clue on how social networking is supposed to work. Not everyone who sends me an email is my friend.

Of course, with Buzz’s current privacy settings, I may be using it more than I know.

To read the FTC complaint, click here: GoogleBuzz_Complaint.

Do You Do One Space or Two After the Period?

An issue that generates a surprising amount of argument is whether one should hit the space bar once or twice after a period. People pay no attention to some of the most important issues of our time, but disagree with how they think a document should be typed and they will be ready to take […]

McCain and Lieberman introduce legislation to free the terrorists and make evidence against them inadmissible in court

Image via Wikipedia John McCain and Joe Lieberman have introduced legislation which could force courts to release terrorists who attack the United States by making evidence against those terrorists inadmissible in court. This outcome is not their goal, but in a fervor of pathetic political pandering they have introduced a bill that specifically prohibits arresting […]

Selling feces as art? Sasha Grey interviews artist Terence Koh

Image via Wikipedia Feces for sale: Sasha Grey inverviews artist Terence Koh about selling feces and other aspects of being a gay Asian artist. In an interview published on BlackBookMag.com, Sasha Grey conducts an online interview with artist Terence Koh. Koh is a mixed media artist who apparently sold his feces – plated in gold […]

Outwrite Bookstore and Coffeehouse – An Accidental Day at a Gay Bookstore

Those who know me know that I often go to coffee shops when I need to get some work done, particularly when I want to do some writing. I’ve found that the coffee shop environment, for whatever reason (I’m guessing caffeine), is very conducive to me being able to concentrate on my work. While I […]

Teacher beats student: Sherri Davis at Jamie’s House Charter School

Teacher beats student but gets caught on videotape; Sherri Davis at Jamie’s House Charter School At Jamie’s House Charter School in Houston, teasing another student may cause you to get an ass-kicking. From the teacher. Science teacher Sherri Davis of Jamie’s House Charter School was recently caught on video beating Isaiah Johnson. Johnson, age 13, […]

Major Updates Coming Soon

As anyone who used to read this site has noticed, it has been completely inactive for a year now and significantly inactive longer than that. I’ve been busy, and this site simply slipped in importance compared to the other things I had to do. However, we are happy to announce that we are in the […]

Worst Wedding Day Video

If you are planning a wedding, you may want to watch this video clip of what has to be one of the worst wedding day videos around. Depending on your mood, this clip may make you laugh or it may make you cry. Who do you think felt worse – the bride or the best […]

Writing Organizations – Groups for Writers

Are you looking for an organization for writers to help improve your skills, network with other writers, and advance your writing career? Then take a look at our directory of Writers Organizations. We have compiled a comprehensive list of organizations and clubs for various writing specialties and for regional groups. If you belong to a […]

Yellowstone/Grand Teton Review, Day 7 – Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, Mammoth Springs Dining Room, Albright Visitor’s Center, and Stops on the Way to Signal Mountain Lodge

Although the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel was quiet during the night, the hallways were rather noisy in the morning. This was not due to unruly guests, but due to the hotel’s design. The hallways are long and solidly built, but with high ceilings and widely spaced walls. The tunnel effect seemed to amplify sounds, making […]

Misleading Government Headlines on Bankruptcy Report

Yesterday the Administrative Office for the U.S. Courts released a report entitled Growth in Bankruptcy Filings Slows in Calendar Year 2010. At first glance, one might be lead to believe that meant that bankruptcy filings had gone down in 2010. While this would be the desired political result of a government that wants people to think […]

You may also be interested in: