Not that Google would ever contemplate doing anything evil, of course. But Jeff suggests that it's collection of data and secrecy about how it will use (and what it is gathering) it is a problem for you, me, and everyone else:But here’s the thing, the data they are collecting is about ME and as a consequence of that Google is able to piece together things about my life, my online life as a proxy for my real worl Not that Google would ever contemplate doing anything evil, of course. But Jeff suggests that it’s collection of data and secrecy about how it will use (and what it is gathering) it is a problem for you, me, and everyone else:But here’s the thing, the data they are collecting is about ME and as a consequence of that Google is able to piece together things about my life, my online life as a proxy for my real world life, that they are profiting from without my informed consent. They would say “well don’t use Google services and no data will be collected” but that argument rings hollow when Google doesn’t publish what they are collecting, or hold themselves to public review on what they wish to collect. More to the point, Google is now the tip of the spear for the entire industry so what they do will soon be replicated by every other search provider. The internet is a public utility at this point, like electricity, and the simple fact is that individuals cannot not use it without suffering economic disadvantage.Good points, all. Jeff goes on to suggest an “opt-out” option when using Google, which I think is a great idea. I’d actually be willing to give Google much more of my personal information if I knew how it was being used (and if it ever resulted in me getting a better deal on skis, books, or whatever – the best my personal information seems to nab me is the exact same ad that everyone else on the planet sees, with no better deal). In short, Google, we will help you to be evil if you’ll just promise to be evil within the bounds we set for you. Just give us the chance…. Open Source