Google's coup – a call to arms!

[Tiberius]

I really want to know how badly it invades my privacy if they log my IP? Lots of websites already do that. Or maybe I'm just not understanding the situation.

We log your IP. It's standard for most services and most web servers. The main reason we do it is to ensure that people don't create multiple accounts, and to block spammers.

To be honest, how badly it "invades" your privacy depends very much on your internet connection. For example, I have a static IP at home, which means that my IP never changes. Most people have a dynamic IP, which means that the IP they use one day might be different the next. IP isn't a very accurate measure of who someone is.

At the end of the day, your ISP can usually track you anyway, dynamic IP or not. There are some exceptions, such as when using HTTPS and DNSSEC, but HTTPS isn't enabled on most sites, and DNSSEC isn't really supported at the moment.

In truth, the best way to protect your privacy online is to do the following:

1) Disable all cookies (or use a private browsing mode).
2) Never sign into an account on a service (disabling cookies should prevent this anyway).
3) Use an anonymising service like Tor.

...but even those steps have their disadvantages, and I can't guarantee your privacy if you use them.

[frankiej]

We log your IP

OH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[thesummerqueen]

So...I don't really get bothered by google's ads - in fact most of them amuse me.

So what do I need to worry about here, theoretically? Why is this such a problem if it streamlines my experience, which is what I like in the first place?

[Doubting Thomas]

I'm not bothered by ads because I use Adblocker plus and Noscript in Firefox. I don't ever see annoying ads or popups.

[thesummerqueen]

Oh, I love the ones that show up in Gmail and all that. And I actually like that on websites they actually direct me to clothing stores similar to ones I buy from. I'm not against it - I might not find the places otherwise! I'm just trying to figure out what the actual problem is.

[Rokcet Scientist]

3) Use an anonymising service like Tor.

Tor is good!
Free proxies can be very convenient too.
And temporary email addresses (make it a favorite/bookmark!) are also very helpful if you need one to register for a site but don't like to register for loads of spam or whatnot at the same time. Spammers pay 35 cents for your email address! So let 'm pay for non-existent email addresses! That should put a dent in their operations!

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BTW, guys, yes: I eat humblepie. I used bad form. My apologies. I think the situation warrants unorthodox measures to get awareness growing, though.

[8BitAtheist]

Well, I'm pretty sure I opted out. Go here if you wish to do so also: http://www.google.com/ads/preferences

For your info you can opt-out of both

Ads on the Web
and
Ads on Search and Gmail.


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But really even if you weren't allowed to opt-out of anything this is all just a bunch of hubub over nothing.

[Tiberius]

So what do I need to worry about here, theoretically? Why is this such a problem if it streamlines my experience, which is what I like in the first place?

Not much. Your ISP can pretty much determine which sites you visit anyway, and unless you are using Tor, you should always operate under the assumption that your identity on the internet can be tracked.

If you don't have a problem with privacy, there is nothing to worry about; continue using the internet how you used to. If you have a concern about privacy, use Tor and sacrifice the fast speedy internet you know and love.

[8BitAtheist]

http://www.webpronews.com/opt-out-google-ads-2012-01

[thesummerqueen]

I don't get a lot of spam - I actually get more from school than anywhere else. I'm not worried.