From: <djg2120@columbia.edu>
  To  : <CPC@emoglen.law.columbia.edu>
  Date: Wed, 15 Feb 2006 22:00:13 -0500

Google desktop search raises privacy issues

This article is particularly relevant to the class discussion about
bypassing the state action doctrine by simply issuing subpoenas to
private actors like Google.

Google desktop search raise privacy issues

Google seems to be adding features and new Internet-based services
at an astounding rate, but it is worth pausing a bit before
embracing the latest addition to the desktop search tool.
Privacy advocates were already concerned about Google’s desktop
search tool, which helps you find existing information on your own
computer. Now the latest version allows you to search across
multiple computers, if you own more than one, to find information.
“You don’t have to worry about where it lives,” Google stated in
releasing the version. “It’s available anywhere you are. If you’ve
ever created a document but forgotten whether it’s on your laptop
or desktop, then you can appreciate why we built this feature.”
Well you should worry about where your “information” lives. What
Google plays down is that the new “Search Across Computers” feature
will store copies of everything you’ve saved on Google’s own
servers. This allows the search to occur. While this would be a
very useful feature to those on the move, if you run a business
with lots of computers and data, you should be having a heart
attack.
Just think, an employee may inadvertently or willingly be exposing
the company to an extreme risk of hacks, information theft, or even
Government-inspired court orders against Google to turn over the
private data.
As the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) says: Do not use the
feature.
The EFF says the feature makes personal data more vulnerable to
subpoenas from the Government and possibly private litigants, while
providing a convenient one-stop-shop for hackers who’ve obtained a
user’s Google password.
You may say that if government wanted the information, they would
just have to go to court to get access to your computer for the
data. However, at least you have a chance to fight the court order.
Placing all your data on a private company’s site will make it
easier for authorities to get to it. The question is, will Google
immediately hand over the information without a fight? Google has
so far not commented on the matter. A simple assurance that the
information is protected would go a long way toward clearing up the
legitimate concerns.
The company’s recent move in China, where it agreed to block
citizens from searching for sites censured by the government, does
indicate the company is willing to stand up for basic rights.
On the positive side Google did stand up to the US government last
August by rejecting requests to access its search logs in what law
officials said was a bid to protect minors from objectionable
material on the Internet.
Microsoft, Yahoo, and America Online all admitted they had provided
the government with some of the requested log data.
The Electronic Freedom Foundation noted that privacy problem arises
because the US Electronic Communication Privacy Act of 1986 gives
only limited protection to e-mails and other files that are stored
with online service providers.
This is much less privacy than the legal protections for the same
information when it’s on your computer at home. Whatever the intent
of the company I think that as it is currently promoted, the new
“Search Across Computers” is a bad idea. If you use it, at least
you will know the potential downside.

The good news is at least you can turn the feature off and use the
rest of what is really a good program.
In Desktop Search Google has also updated the “Sidebar” view. The
Sidebar is a feature that opens a pane or “panels”, showing your
Gmail inbox, news, popular Web pages, local weather, and a list of
recently opened files.
On a lighter side of the company, Google Earth has put up high
resolution imagery of Torino, Italy and the surrounding area. The
feature helps the Winter Olympic fanatics get a bird’s eye view of
the places they see on television.
Once you have installed Google Earth, you then click for the Torino
satellite map, which will load placemarks for all the major venues
in the area. To see the lay of the lay of the land just enable the
“Terrain” layer feature and use the tilt view control to get a “3D”
look at the sites for the various outdoor events.@EDITRULE:Ahmed
ElAmin is a former Royal Gazette business reporter who writes on
technology. Contact him at elaminahmedyahoo.com. Visit
www.SecureBermuda.com for security updates.

Available at:
http://www.theroyalgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060215/BUSINESS/102150134
The Royal Gazette
Feb. 15, 2006

              

Daniel Grimm
djg2120@columbia.edu

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