This was a big wake up call for me, and probably you too. This Interview shook me up a bit. Eric Schmidt CEO of Google talks about Google and privacy. Check out the Highlight.
“if? you have nothing to hide why worry about privacy?” – Eric Schmidt
Doesn’t this sound a little insane to you?
Google was and probably is still a great Search Engine. But their attitude of getting into every nook and corner of the web and then into you life is scary. Privacy is one of the most basic human rights and I love mine enough to take steps today. Do not let your Convenience come in the way of your freedom.
So how do you stay safe and avoid this massive information gathering?
1. Turn off your web history.
If you are logged into your Google A/c while using Google Search, your search history will be tracked and tagged to your A/c. To disable this feature follow instruction on this post.
2. Use Incognito mode on your browser
IE 8, Firefox 3.5 as well as Google Chrome comes with Incognito modes use it well.
3. Use Anchor’s Free VPN software.
This is probably the best way to hide your digital footprint. Anchor free creates a VPN like tunnel and will assign an IP for you. Yes there will be some ads at the top window, but its a minor irritation compared to your privacy being harvested by Google.
4. Use Bing
It used to be a really bad Search Engine. But now they are getting better everyday. Honestly I hate MS but I think its time Google gets some competition. Plus Bing has better privacy policy than Google.
It does not matter if you live in US or somewhere else, beware of what is happening in the world.
Useful links:
An Old CNET Post on Goggle that got the CNET Reporters banned for a year.
Mozilla exec Asa Dotzler urges Firefox users to switch to Bing find out more on his blog.
CBC’s two year old Interview that still makes sense
