p2pnet - rss feed: Google Secure Access
p2p news / p2pnet:- “What is Google Secure Access? Google Secure Access is a downloadable client application that allows users to establish a more secure WiFi connection.”
That’s what Google says on its GSA FAQ.
But Inside Google begs to differ. “Google wants another crack at your entire internet traffic,” it says. “This time, its through the Google Secure Access client.”
The GSA FAQ goes on:
Why would I want to download and install Google Secure Access? Google Secure Access allows you to establish a more secure connection while using Google WiFi. By using Google Secure Access, your internet traffic will be encrypted, preventing others from viewing the information you transmit.
Does Google Secure Access connect to a VPN server? Yes, Google Secure Access connects to Google’s VPN (”Virtual Private Network”) server provided for this service.
Why did Google develop Google Secure Access? One of our engineers recognized that secure WiFi was virtually non-existent at most locations. As a result, he used his 20% project time to begin an initiative to offer users more secure WiFi access. Google Secure Access is the result of this endeavor.
What sort of information does Google have access to? If you choose to use Google Secure Access, your internet traffic will be encrypted and sent through Google’s servers to the Internet. The data that is received will then be encrypted and sent back through our servers to your computer. Your privacy is important to us, we strongly encourage you to read our Privacy Policy to be fully informed about how your privacy is protected.
In other words, Google has naught but your best interests at heart.
But once again, Inside Google begs to differ.
“While this may be a legitimate attempt by a single engineer to secure data, the fact is that routing massive net traffic through Google’s servers is a huge financial undertaking,” it says. “And in any situation, you must always follow the money. Since the program and service is free the only conclusion is that Google is trying, once again, to get its hands on all of your internet traffic for data collection purposes.
“Google tried pulling the same thing with Web Accelerator, and the net freaked out. Ultimately, Web Accelerator was pulled. Google Secure Access has the same benefits for Google as Web Accelerator did, with fewer of the things that scared away people the first time.
“I have to believe that there are at least some higher ups at Google who have the goal of expanding Google by collecting massive amounts of data on the web browsing habits of the public. The goal: Install a small program on a decent number of computers (not many, but a varied group), close the beta when you have your test group, and enjoy the data. Repeat when the test group shrinks.”
However, allows the post, “There is one other explanation, and I will state it as a possible until I hear back from Google PR. Also, in the FAQ:
Where can I go to download Google Secure Access? The program can currently be downloaded at certain Google WiFi locations in the San Francisco Bay Area.
“It is possible this is just a program designed to make Google WiFi locations secure (I had no idea there were Google wi-fi locations), and not truly meant for the general public.
“I guess we’ll know more as the news trickles out from other media outlets.”
If you want to check GSA out for yourself, go here.
Stay tuned.
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See:-
Inside Google - Google Pulls The Other Leg With Secure Access, September 19, 2005
September 21st, 2005 at 4:04 pm
There’s something going on here.
- Google is buying up dark fibre to build it’s own carrier grade backbone network
- Google is going into the WiFi hotspot business.
- Google VPN mentioned here.
- Google Talk is the beginning of a VoIP service.
I call it GT&T !
September 21st, 2005 at 5:08 pm
Theres nothing more wrong with this… than what normal ISPs make thei costumers download to conntect…
If google comes out with free wifi like this… I will definantly download the program.
September 21st, 2005 at 6:36 pm
Bryant Park in New York City is also a Google sponsored hot-spot…..
September 21st, 2005 at 6:54 pm
Free Internet and VOIP as long as they can agregate all the data you send on the internet not a bad payoff if your not doing business or somthing illeagal.
September 21st, 2005 at 8:53 pm
MS was slow on the uptake of the net, I was was using Netscape 2 before IE was a dream. They fought long and hard to get IE out and finally won the baattle by putting it in the OS. Meanwhile AOL bought Netscape and basically ruined it. Meanwhile AOL used IE as its backbone for the AOL client. They missed the boat on search and all of the neat stuff that Google has done.
I predict, that while MS stumbles to catch up Google will quietly built a kick ass browser, and with their cash and talent why not an OS?
You heard it here first folks.
September 22nd, 2005 at 2:05 am
Google is a large (and growing) cluster of Linux computers, and they are very involved in that community. Making their own Google Linux would be trivial for a company that already has more experience with Linux than some existing Linux distribution companies.
September 22nd, 2005 at 3:41 am
Google is doing what all sucessful corporates do. It has seen the handwriting that it needs to branch out into other feilds that assure it of a steady income no matter what. It has left its options open in this move that will most likely position it into a very good point. The branches this could move into are very large.
I have what I have always had against Google. Not that is it sucessful but rather that they too feel free to reap and gather private data without so much as a “by your leave” about it. They will wave a free product out there with buried spyware and then say there you go. What they don’t say is what the sypware is doing, what sort of info is it collecting, nor do they put it on the front of the download site that it is going to contain such. Instead it will be buried with in the EULA, with the hope that the installer won’t take the time to read what they are going to use.
When it is mentioned it won’t be just out in the open. It will be some hidden mention such as “You agree to the third party install of “Google-lite (or whatever) and agree not to interfer with the addtion of their programs” without ever just coming out and saying they are collecting your data. For anyone to do such spyware notices in such a manner means there is something there that might not be totally in agreement with the installer, did they know the real reason. That never sat right with me. It is one thing to say, look straight up, we got spyware in there, you want it free you take with that understanding. It is quite another to present it as a boon to mankind and forget to mention the real reason it is offered.
September 22nd, 2005 at 7:27 am
Sounds like google has decided that they’ll take the net and ms can keep the pc.
September 22nd, 2005 at 2:24 pm
Free Broadband net access? Let google install their stuff. I will install their software on a single computer on my FreeWan cell and use it to connect to other FreeWan cells. The only connections that Google will detect is the connection to these FreWan Cells. The actually data will be encrypted beore it passes through the computer with the Google software installed.
The only negative aspect of this type of use is that Google will be able to determine the location of these FreeWan cell, unless, that is a laptop is used to transfer information while outside the range of the FreeWan Cell. The good news is that other wireless ISP’s will have to lower their prices in order to compete with free. Another bit of news is that I just saved a load of money on my car insurance by switching to geico.
September 22nd, 2005 at 2:24 pm
I keep hearing mention of the “Google browser”, but it’s still vapourware, isn’t it? They best they could do would be to buy one of the minor (in terms of market share) browsers and brand it. Opera would be a good candidate for this - recent announcements from the Opera camp suggest a certain frantic scramble not to be left out in the mass exodus from IE. Opera as we know it may not be around much longer.
On a seperate issue, I notice there is now an official Google toolbar for Firefox. Too late, guys - I like my Googlebar.
Chris
September 23rd, 2005 at 2:21 am
We are the Google Borg. Resistance Is Futile. You Will Be ASSimilated.
September 23rd, 2005 at 3:11 pm
Web Accelerator is back online and advertised on the main search page!
September 23rd, 2005 at 3:15 pm
Web Accelerator is back online and advertised on the main search page!
September 23rd, 2005 at 5:43 pm
Since a few days I am using a new VPN solution called “iPig”. As easy to use as Google Wifi but does not send any data to Google! Experts can set up their own VPN server with iPig Server (also free). Download URL is http://www.iopus.com/ipig
Ralf
September 25th, 2005 at 5:05 pm
The best reviews I have found of this application can be found here:
1) http://www.hagrin.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=108
2) http://blog.thetechgurus.net/?p=36
They seem to have really explained a lot of how it works.