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

[Richard Chirgwin]

And it nicely sidesteps the OAIC oversight resulting from the WiFi 
debacle...

 From http://www.privacy.gov.au/materials/a-z?fullsummary=7103

> In response to our investigation, Google has provided me with written 
> undertakings that it will:
> Publish an apology to Australians in Google's official Australian blog 
> (www.google-au.blogspot.com) for its collection of unsecured WiFi 
> 'payload' data.
> Undertake to conduct a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) on any new 
> Street View data collection activities in Australia that include 
> personal information.
> Provide a copy of these PIAs to my Office.
> Regularly consult with the Australian Privacy Commissioner about 
> personal data collection activities arising from significant product 
> launches in Australia.
<sigh>

RC

On 25/01/12 10:28 AM, Roger Clarke wrote:
> 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.
>