(Via Slashdot) EFF is apparently warning folks to not use the newest version of Google Desktop:
Google today announced a new “feature” of its Google Desktop software that greatly increases the risk to consumer privacy. If a consumer chooses to use it, the new “Search Across Computers” feature will store copies of the user’s Word documents, PDFs, spreadsheets and other text-based documents on Google’s own servers, to enable searching from any one of the user’s computers. EFF urges consumers not to use this feature, because it will make their personal data more vulnerable to subpoenas from the government and possibly private litigants, while providing a convenient one-stop-shop for hackers who’ve obtained a user’s Google password.
Now, in fairness, the phrase “[i]f a consumer chooses to use it” should be noted. However, this press release serves as a reminder that the conveniences of modern technology do come with a price. And, while Google at least has been (on the surface) better than other web megacorps in resisting the nosiness of government… how far are you going to trust them?
Dudes, we really need some privacy protection laws on the books.