Guide | How To Google Will Use Your Profile Information In Their Ads – Unless You Opt Out

[KaptainBug]

Google has just updated their terms of service allowing them to use your Google profile information in their ads. Which is worrying, because who really reads terms and conditions?

The scheme is called “Shared Endorsements” and Google describes it as follows:

To ensure that your recommendations reach the people you care about, Google sometimes displays your reviews, recommendations and other relevant activity throughout its products and services. This sometimes includes shopping contexts, like the Google Play music store, and ads. Your profile name and photo may appear with the recommendation.

For example, if you search for “Italian restaurants”, you might see an ad for a nearby restaurant along with your friend’s favorable review. Or, in Google Play, you might see that another friend has +1′d a new song or album.

But what Google fails to realise is that perhaps you don’t want your “friends” to know that you have +1′d a new song or album. They are going to use your information and your opinions without your permission – unless you opt out.

Yes, that’s right. There is a way to opt out of “Shared Endorsements”. Simply go to this link and scroll down to the bottom of the page. Then uncheck this box and click “Save”. Then you’re out.

And in future, maybe all of us need to consider the possibility of actually reading terms and conditions.

Source: Makeuseof.com

 

[Cats-4_Owners-2]

Thanks @KaptainBug! I agree, 'who really reads terms and conditions?', but I'm glad someone at Makeuseof.com did, and of course you read their article! I went directly to the link you provided, and made sure the trusty box was as clear as the water is before it becomes my morning coffee.

 

[MrXidus]

Thanks, I checked to make sure I was opted out and already was.