MSPAL Power
A second look at Google privacy changes
January 31st, 2012
This is the second in a short series of blog posts on the Google Privacy changes taking effect March 1st, 2001.
Maybe you are interested in keeping your Google account. For example, switching email accounts can be difficult because Gmail’s competitors lack the vast amount of services that Gmail provides. Using a different search engine requires new search techniques. You may need Google Calender to synchronize with your extracurricular groups.
Today, instead of talking about alternatives, we’re going to talk about protecting your data under Google’s new privacy policy.
Step 1. Change your Google+ profile information.
Get rid of everything on your Google+ profile that you wouldn’t want a complete stranger (or a potential employer) to see. This may seem obvious, but avoid putting up your address or telephone number. Also, DO NOT put your maiden name on Google+ if you are married. Your future kids will thank you for giving them a slightly stronger security question for their accounts. In fact, if you are comfortable with it, you might want to shorten your first or last name to just one initial. All in all, any information on this public profile that isn’t professional should probably go since it will soon be the first thing to appear when you are google’d. Treat it as a billboard for your professional self.
Step 2. Limit the websites authorized to access your account.
It’s reasonable to see Google Calendar and LinkedIn within this list but make sure there are no surprises here.
Step 3. Opt out of personalized ads
This is self explanatory.
Step 4. Consider removing sites from Google’s search results.
If there are cached versions of sites that have information about you that you don’t want to share, you can ask Google to take down the cached versions from their search results. The page will still exist somewhere out there, but people are less likely to find it. It takes a little effort but could be worth it.
Step 5. Go through old emails and chats: delete, delete, delete, empty trash
Cleaning out your inbox is helpful and cathartic.
Step 6. Keep your photos out of Picasa.
Save them on your computer, to a thumb drive, or to a Flickr account.
Step 7. Stay persistent in your efforts.
Work hard to clear your inbox out regularly. Google yourself. Type url’s into the address bar instead of searching Google than clicking on the result.
These steps are not for everyone and you can pick and choose what you share.
Read the new privacy policy. Under “Transparency and Choice” Google includes links to dashboard and Google+ so you can quickly edit what you share.
Posted by Mierka in Electronic Resources, Announcements | No Comments »
