Google updated their Privacy Policy and Terms of Service today and there are changes to what Google Refers to as “Shared Endorsements” that are good to be aware of if you use Google and their services. I imagine most people reading this probably use Gmail and Google, so you better pay attention.
Shared Endorsements in Google Advertising & Reviews
If you write a review in Google Places using your Google+ profile it might be used in advertising for say a restaurant or review along with your profile picture and name. Additionally Google monitors what you “+1” and what brands you follow to try to figure what your friends, family, and followers might like also. Google refers to this as Shared Endorsements and it is something that is implemented across Google's platform and various services which includes Google Play, Google Maps, and obviously their world famous search engine. Google does explicitly state;
This update to our Terms of Service doesn’t change in any way who you’ve shared things with in the past or your ability to control who you want to share things with in the future.
The reason for Shared Endorsements is that Google believes that they can better serve you what you want to see from recommendations. What if you don't like the idea of Google using your data this way though? You can turn it off if you want but keep in mind Google automatically uses your name and profile picture unless you actively choose to turn of the Shard Endorsements setting. Click here if you want to turn it off and opt out. (You will have to be logged into your Google account.)
Basically if this doesn't make sense to you, Google is just trying to use your data and what you like to better serve you and people you know better targeted ads. If you don't like what Google does, you don't need to use it. Of course… is is possible not to use Google for searching for things online?
By the way they also emphasized that they want people to be careful with their mobile devices while driving. In addition keep you password secure and enable 2-step verification. (If you misplace your phone often then I wouldn't recommend it.)
Anyone have thoughts about Google's update to it's Terms of Service? What do you think of Shared Endorsements?
[Source – Google TOS]