It is hard not to have read about the new Google privacy changes, which went into effect on March 1st. Numerous articles have been appearing all over the web and in the media over the past couple of weeks. Many of our customers have asked us about the changes and the impact on them , especially those who use Google Apps for their email, etc. Many use Google Apps, because it is very cost effective compared to the options out there, especially for SMBs. As you will read below, our Google Apps Business customers are still protected.
So, how does the new policy effect you? Basically, if you search on Google, use gmail or YouTube, Google is combining its data on you from across its Web sites to come up with a fuller portrait of its users, including you. If you have used Facebook, for example, you probably have already experienced ads popping up that pertain to your specific interests. Google has been doing this for a long time, too, but now it is combining all of its sources in order to come up with a more specific profile for targeted ads. If, however, you use Google Apps for Business, the paid version that most of our Google Apps customers use, the new privacy policy does not apply to you. Google will maintain the data of those customers in compliance with the confidentiality and security obligations provided to their domain. The new policy does not change their contractual agreements.
Some people are upset to have their information so tailored, but the truth is that we are all subject to this scrutiny in many forms of our web use. Let us know how you feel about your information being used for the use of targeted advertising. You may also be a company that benefits from advertising through Google and other sources that enable you, maybe as an SMB, to advertise locally to a specific market.
We will keep you posted on new information and changes in Privacy Policies. It’s a hot topic and won’t be going away any time soon.
In the meantime, leave us your comments. We would love to hear from you. And, feel free to contact us about our IT Security Solutions, too. We are always working towards the best options!
