This news came out on Friday, when Google said they will
start using Google+ user’s information as recommendation in their
advertisements. This new policy will come into play on 11th November.
How it works
It’s pretty simple to understand, you use your Google Plus
account to purchase or review some product. When the company whose product to
purchased or reviewed, wants to advertise on Google; they will use the
information [Your name, photo and comments (if any)] and your people you are
friends with, will be displayed a version where you are in the advertisement
and review that product.
This is exactly the same as Facebook. They show you sponsored
stories in news feed and sidebar ads.
Facebook or Google, they both have been in trouble for violating
user’s privacy. Facebook had to pay $20 million settlement because they couldn’t
clarify what they were actually doing. This is what Google doesn’t want. You
have an option to opt-out from their advertising policy if you want. Google to
your Google plus setting, Click on endorsement tab and un-check the option.
Opt-out from Google Advertising Policy
Of course they don’t want you to opt-out so you will see a
popup saying “your friends will be less likely to benefit from your
recommendations” Click confirm and you done!
And, there’s another way not to show up in
advertisements: Don’t use any of the social features on Google. While having
some people opt out of the ads isn’t good for Google, it would be really bad
for the company if people stopped using its services. And every time something
like this comes up, there’s a little wave of user threats to do just that.
Google—or, more frequently, Facebook—grits its teeth and endures the criticism
because the company is pretty confident users are much more likely to complain
than to follow through, and one day of criticism is worth the money it can make
down the road.
