Re: New "Google Groups" Netnews Service Mangles Messages +Privacy Issues

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

_______________ Forward Header _______________
Subject:        Re: [IP] New "Google Groups" Netnews Service Mangles Messages +Privacy Issues
Author: Simon Higgs <simon () higgs com>
Date:           11th December 2004 2:22:39 pm

Dave,

> Begin forwarded message:
>
> From: Lauren Weinstein <lauren () vortex com>
> Date: December 9, 2004 1:57:54 AM EST
> To: dave () farber net
> Cc: lauren () vortex com
> Subject: New "Google Groups" Netnews Service Mangles Messages + Privacy Issues
> Dave,
[..]
> There's another issue also.  Google seems to have a habit of tying
> together user cookies in ways that have significant privacy-related
> implications.  It should not be necessary for a netnews reader to
> submit to a Google login (which typically requires cookies) in order
> to reply to a netnews item created by a netnews author outside of the
> Google Groups system.

Lauren's correct, but I don't think he realizes the full implications of 
this. Remember the Google IPO? If you signed up to receive stock you had to 
enter your Social Security number and this is linked to your Google login. 
In your browser, your Google cookies are tied to your Google login even if 
you have only ever logged in once. This gives Google the ability to track 
surfing and search habits by Social Security number. TIA anyone?

Sleep well.


Best Regards,

Simon Higgs


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