When you search for something online, usually the first place you start is by going to Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) and then your adventure to find your product, directions or service begins. How you find what you need is usually an adventure in itself, but the hunt usually starts with Google. No matter what you’re searching, you’d think it would stay private in your own home.
We use Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) products for almost everything, whether we realize it or not. We use Youtube to search our favorite songs or viral videos. We use Gmail to send information and usually our Google drive to store documents. We also use Google maps to find our favorite restaurant or get driving directions. But while you’re searching all of this, is all of your information private.
According to a recent study by Dell Gines, the privacy you have in your home, might not be as private as you think. According to the 1986 electronic communications privacy act, your search history can be viewed at anytime without your permission. The law allows government and law enforcement to obtain data from internet companies without a warrant. Since Jan 2011 there have been almost 40k total requests from government and law enforcement.
Not only does government and law enforcement have access to your data, Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) does as well. Google collected data from over 30 countries on private Wi-Fi networks that were encrypted and thought to be secure. Google also has the right to store and sell anything you search to advertisers. In 2012, alone, Google made almost $45 billion in advertising revenue.
So what does this mean for you? It means that your information isn’t as private as you’d like to believe it is. Everything you search using a Google service is probably being scanned and recorded to help with advertising. In the event that you got into legal trouble, your search history will probably be reviewed. So be careful with what you search, Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) is watching.
From Dellgines
