Unsurprisingly, Google is getting slammed, (with this link by the Independent) Google is watching you - Independent Online Edition > Science & Technology. According to the media hype "Google, the world's biggest search engine, is setting out to create the most comprehensive database of personal information ever assembled, one with the ability to tell people how to run their lives." Sounds a little OTT, but to be fair, it's based on something Eric Schmidt said on a visit here this week "The goal is to enable Google users to be able to ask the question such as 'What shall I do tomorrow?' and 'What job shall I take?'."
To be honest, it's a damned stupid thing to have said, because it's going to raise hackles everywhere. It's also following hot on the heels of their decision to buy a human genetics firm so we've now got this spectre of Big G knowing even more about us than we know about ourselves. Is it time to cue the Powers That Be? I think that it is.. The Information Commissioner's Office wants more information about Google's plan. They are planning to respond in due course.
I can see both sides of this one, but make up your own mind. Personally what I'd find interesting is to see Google get into the whole genealogy angle, because that is absolutely huge, and an area that is absolutely ripe to be pulled together in a more formalised way. Of course, they'd need to buy the Mormons in order to get their paws on their data, but at least they'd be able to use the acquisition to bolster the fading 'Do no Evil' concept.
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