Google’s Data Collection Raises Privacy Concerns, Highlights Importance of Ethical Use of Personal Information

The recent accusation against Google for collecting data from users during their private browsing highlights the importance of protecting our data in the digital age. This incident raises concerns about why our online activities are valuable to technology companies and how they use this information.

Google has been accused of tracking user data even when privacy measures are employed, such as browsing in incognito mode. In 2020, three users filed a complaint alleging that Google collects extensive amounts of data through its tracking operation, which includes details like IP addresses, cookies, and location services. Four years later, the company agreed to delete this data collected while using Chrome’s incognito mode.

Research by StockApps confirms that Google leads the way in collecting user data online, with 39 “data points” per user. They are followed closely by Twitter (24 points), Amazon (23), and Facebook (14). Javier Morán, dean of the Faculty of Engineering at USIL, explains that this data collection is essential for technology companies like Google because it allows them to offer better services and products, personalize the user experience, generate income, and maintain their competitiveness in the market. However, he also emphasizes the importance of treating user data ethically and protecting privacy and security.

The UCSUR professor points out that while it is important for companies to use user data to improve their products and services, it is also essential to protect individuals’ privacy rights. He notes that browsing data collected incognito goes against users’ expectations of privacy protection and constitutes a violation of their rights. As such, it is crucial for companies like Google to ensure that they collect and use user data ethically while respecting individuals’ privacy rights.

In conclusion, while technology companies collect vast amounts of user data online, it is important to protect individuals’ privacy rights. Companies must ensure that they collect and use this information ethically while maintaining transparency about their practices.

The dean of USIL emphasizes the importance of treating user data ethically when collecting it online.

“Companies should be transparent about their practices when collecting user data,” says Morán. “They should explain what kind of information they collect and how they use it.”

He also adds that users have a right to control their own personal information.

“Users should have control over their own personal information,” says Morán.

“They should be able to access or delete any information that has been collected about them.”