First of all, you shouldn't get downvoted for this. I disagree with you, but its a question that is good to ask.
Secondly, while I don't think google buzz, in itself, is something the Congress needs to focus on, I think its good that they are looking to set rules early on instead of waiting for an even bigger issue.
Privacy is going to be a hotly debated topic and if Congress can start talking about it now, it will be good.
“A group of House Energy and Commerce members are urging the FTC to investigate complaints that Google’s Buzz social networking service and some of its other services may harm consumer privacy.”
One of the goals of the proposed probe would be to determine how much data Google gathers from it’s properties such as Buzz, and how it uses this data to target ads to users.
Google counters by saying ”user transparency and control are very important to us, and we review all products carefully before we roll them out. When we realized that we’d unintentionally made many of our users unhappy, we moved quickly to make significant product improvements to address their concerns. Our door is always open to discuss additional ways to improve our products and services moving forward.”
I suspect Microsoft is behind much of the increased government scrutiny over Google.
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[ 3.3 ms ] story [ 15.1 ms ] threadSecondly, while I don't think google buzz, in itself, is something the Congress needs to focus on, I think its good that they are looking to set rules early on instead of waiting for an even bigger issue.
Privacy is going to be a hotly debated topic and if Congress can start talking about it now, it will be good.
“A group of House Energy and Commerce members are urging the FTC to investigate complaints that Google’s Buzz social networking service and some of its other services may harm consumer privacy.”
One of the goals of the proposed probe would be to determine how much data Google gathers from it’s properties such as Buzz, and how it uses this data to target ads to users.
Google counters by saying ”user transparency and control are very important to us, and we review all products carefully before we roll them out. When we realized that we’d unintentionally made many of our users unhappy, we moved quickly to make significant product improvements to address their concerns. Our door is always open to discuss additional ways to improve our products and services moving forward.”
I suspect Microsoft is behind much of the increased government scrutiny over Google.
http://hnsummary.com/2010/03/29/house-lawmakers-voice-concer...