The usage of Google Photos is very
popular. “It reached 100 million
users after five months, 200
million after one year, and 500 million as of May 2017, with Google announcing that
over 1.2 billion photos
are uploaded to the service every day, with the grand total of all uploaded
content measuring over 13.7 petabytes of storage. “
It has
recently been discovered that Google Photos has possible security vulnerabilities
addressing user’s private data. After recent exposure of a malicious threat to
the Google Photos services showed that hackers had the access to the
geo-locations of the pictures saved to the servers; researchers name this a
browser side-channel leak.
Also, YouTuber
Devon Crawford recently released a video about what he found when he downloaded
his private Google data. As he was going through his data he found that Google
Photos stores all your information and pictures publicly. Even videos and
photos that he did not post onto any social media or backed up in Google Photos
were stored in public URLs. This was particularly alarming because many people believe
that the information stored on their device is private. These URLs even stored
pictures and videos that had been deleted from his end of the app. He also found that Google has been storing
information about his actions on other sites like amazon.
It is
important to understand that Google is primarily an ad company rather than a
search company. The sell the extensive data that they collect about their users
to broker ad sales. Many call this “surveillance capitalism” because tracking
is essential to their business. So much so that in 2018 about 86% of their revenue
came from their ad business. So, Google services profit from connecting your
online persona to your offline persona.
For more
information check out the articles and video:
Questions
to consider:
1. If the public
became aware of the extent that Google services record their digital data, how
would they react?
2. Is it ethical
for Google services to keep such an extensive record of our information?
3. Why would
Google services store user’s personal information in public links?
Hi Viri
ReplyDeleteInteresting post I think the amount of data big tech companies like Google, Facebook, and Amazon have about us is very concerning. Repeatedly Google and Facebook have been fined by legislations. For the misuse of customers data. Recently, in Europe, Google was fined under the General Data Protection Regulation for $50 million while Facebook was fined by Russia for failing to tell authorities where their data is being stored.
I think that if the public became aware of the amount of data that Google has there would be an initial backlash. At first there would be a huge boycott of Google’s service and more pressure on lawmakers to impose stricter data protect laws. But eventually people would forget about the data scandal and go back to using Google this is because it is almost impossible to remove yourself entire from a system that is that widespread. I think that it is not ethical for Google to have such an extensive record of our personal information but, I do realize that Google is a business and its main purpose is to create value for its shareholders. For your final quest I do not have a good answer maybe it was a oversight that was not noticed till it was too late. Having its customers distrust the product because their info is on public links does not seem to benefit Google. After thinking about data privacy issues, I determined that one-way countries can really protect our data from being misused is to fine the executives personally. Fining Google whose revenue was over $125 billion will not affect the company but, if individuals where held account able things would change.
Hey Viri!
ReplyDeleteThis was a really great and informative post. It was very concerning to hear that hackers had the access to the geolocations of the pictures saved to the servers. I feel as though if the public became aware of the extent that Google services records their digital data, they would be outraged. The amount of information the have stored about us is unnecessary and ridiculous. The fact that videos and photos that aren't posted on social media or backed up in Google Photos are stored in public URLs is completely uncalled for. Why is this information public? I personally feel like it's unethical for Google services to keep such an extensive record of our information. What exactly are they doing with this information? There's absolutely no need for this and it puts us at risk because all of our information is out in the public. It's concerning to me that Google services would store user’s personal information in public links and they should work quickly to fix this issue.
Hello!
ReplyDeleteI think that for the most part the public is aware of what google does or is in self-imposed ignorance. There is always something about how google it taking information and using it. I think everytime that people are outraged, but want the continued convenience that using these services offers.
Google is making BANK off of what what they are doing. But They aren't doing anything illegal. They have privacy statements for a reason. But I think that Google could do a MUCH better job of being transparent with what information (and what they are doing with it) they have. I don't think that the fact that google has this information is unethical considering that we are allowing them to have it.
I honestly have no idea why they would use public links.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteNice Post from your side about Google photos security.
ReplyDeleteIn the event that you don't have the foggiest idea How to Install Windows 7 on your framework, at that point there is no reason for burning through your valuable time is such an assignment. Act like proficient and find support from the person who can enable you to out. Windows 7 client care has an extraordinary reputation in settling a wide range of specialized questions. With an assistance of cost free number, you can have a discussion with our guaranteed experts.
This is very much great and hope fully nice blog. Every body can easily found her need able information.
ReplyDeleteNorton Internet Security Login
Log into Norton Account
Norton Antivirus Account Login
Norton Antivirus Sign In
Norton Security Login
Norton Sign In
Norton Account Login
My Norton Account Sign In
Norton Login My Account
Attempting to access your account with Arlo login? If yes, then we can share useful information with you to make your way more ease than ever. We gonna tell you how you can perform Arlo Netgear login process by installing Arlo app on your mobile.
ReplyDeleteArlo login
Netgear Arlo Login
SBCGlobal is one of the most demanded email services all across the world. Though the email service providing company offers several features and functions such as security, easy account recovery, spam protection, etc., sometimes, despite all the numerous attributes, SBCGlobal creates certain issues related to sign-in, password, sending/ receiving emails, etc. Well, to help users in such a case, the sbcglobal email phone number support is one of the best mediums to overcome the error. For any query call us 1 (800) 331-0500.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteBrother Printer Support. Contact Technical support team by chat or phone number. Brother customer care could not help instead contact technical team. Here is Brother Printer Support Phone Number +1-844-854-6817