Privacy Changes & Challenges
Privacy Changes & Challenges
Last week Google publically announced one of the most sweeping changes to a privacy policy in years; changes that not all users are happy with but few will likely accept due to the size and significance of the provider. While users may not be thrilled with the privacy changes, social media consulting firms have reason to rejoice…the changes are good news for small and big business owners alike.
Overview of Google Privacy Changes
For those that haven’t had time to review all the changes, basically Google has combined numerous distinct privacy policies into one integrated policy that covers the activities of the users across the search platform, email, YouTube and other services. The changes go into effective March 1, 2012 and are expected to include Android mobile phone users as well as online users.
The Possible, The Probably & The Pitfalls
Changes to the privacy policy are a direct response to the growing popularity of Facebook and other online services which already track users across the network in order to target marketing by interest area, location and even prior affiliations. Google will now be able to serve customized advertisements based upon browsing history, affiliations, viewership of video’s and other unique information of specific interest. Critics argue this is paramount to an invasion of privacy especially given Google’s size and cross section of services across the Internet.
Ramifications to Small Business
Google continues to experience exponential growth in both the search and social media marketing venues; this shift toward an integrated user experience will provide even greater targeting and niche marketing options. Small business owners must expand the Google+ presence in order to position for growth or risk being left behind.
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