Comments on: Google Desktop Search: Spyware?

By: Reader's Write

Reader's Write — Sat, 11 Feb 2006 21:44:52 +0000

There is a simple solution that Google can make available quickly to resolve this problem: Let the users define the encryption keys that google desktop would use to encrypt the data like RSA and ultimately opensource the encryption API so that neutral third parties like PGP or else could implement open encryption libraries that would not be controlled by Google.

That way, Google would effectively be unable to access to the user’s content, making subpeanas from the government to access the data virtually meaningless…

By: Reader's Write

Reader's Write — Fri, 22 Oct 2004 21:49:34 +0000

I uninstalled it this morning when the revelation hit me this is something akin to a keylogger. Advice to Google: password protect, encrypt the database index, and have separate indexes for different users on the same computer. Great idea, but still needs work.

By: Reader's Write

Reader's Write — Sun, 17 Oct 2004 14:00:09 +0000

I installed it. I wasn’t impressed with how it didn’t tell me it was also scanning for files from programs such as, powerpoint, excel, AIM IM, outlook express. It was only after I ok’ed the initial indexing that I found the other preferences. Think if your going to be honest about what the program scans for ALL the options should be presented before indexing.

To their credit, google search can ignore directories if you add them to your preferences – problem is how many people would know what directories to ignore? Folders in program files or system32 can be just as telling as what is in outlook express.

I’ve uninstalled it and created another tin foil hat – old one was getting worn out after my A9 experience

By: Reader's Write

Reader's Write — Sun, 17 Oct 2004 09:56:40 +0000

When they plainly admit they will get your private information
for their own purposes, you should be wary.

Consider, if you will, Google Desktop Search pre-installed on new computers.
Every time you connect to google it silently reports changes in the system.
You might not know it is there or what it is doing.
Sounds like fun?

Of course, the only reason google wants information on your system,
linked with a unique id, is to server better ads.
Riiiiiiiiiight.
And Mr. RIAA just wants to ensure product quality by suing children.