[LINK] RFC: Google's Changing ToS and Privacy Policy

[Roger Clarke]

European colleagues have drawn attention to the possibility that the 
nature and/or manner of the changes may be in conflict with:
-   the Unfair Consumer Contract Terms Directive (EU)
-   the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contract Regulations (UK)

Can anyone assist with an outline of the consumer protection 
situation in Australia as it relates to online services?  (On-list or 
Off-list).

Feel free to re-post these messages on consumer lists.


On 24 January 2012 23:06:07, Roger Clarke wrote:
[Google has announced that it is unliaterally re-writing its entire 
set of Terms of Service and Privacy undertakings.

[Users to whom this comes to attention have 7 weeks' notice.
(I found out through Lauren Weinstein's list).

[There's no consultation process. Google has simply done it.

[There's no reconciliation between old and new. There are just vague, 
marketer-assurances that nothing's changed. As if Google were 
trustworthy.

[There is a subtle warning though:
"What should I expect to see change as a result of this?
"Over time you can expect to see better search results, ads and other 
content when you're using Google services."
In other words, they've changed the rules in order to advantage their 
data collection and appropriation techniques.

[The expression 'breathtaking arrogance' comes to mind.


>  One policy, one Google experience
>  http://www.google.com/policies/
>  http://www.google.com/policies/faq/
>  [No date appears on either document, so they may have been up for weeks]
>
>  We're getting rid of over 60 different privacy policies across 
>Google and replacing them with one that's a lot shorter and easier 
>to read. Our new policy covers multiple products and features, 
>reflecting our desire to create one beautifully simple and intuitive 
>experience across Google.
>
>  This stuff matters, so please take a few minutes to read our 
>updated Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service now. These 
>changes will take effect on March 1, 2012.


-- 
Roger Clarke                                 http://www.rogerclarke.com/

Xamax Consultancy Pty Ltd      78 Sidaway St, Chapman ACT 2611 AUSTRALIA
                    Tel: +61 2 6288 1472, and 6288 6916
mailto:Roger.Clarke at xamax.com.au                http://www.xamax.com.au/

Visiting Professor in the Faculty of Law               University of NSW
Visiting Professor in Computer Science    Australian National University