Google responds to privacy critics

INTERNET SEARCH GIANT Google has responded to critics of its changes to user privacy policies.

The changes it announced earlier this week will see personal data shared across its online properties and were greeted with some disappointment.

"Dear @google, I do not accept your change of policy and as such I expect a full refund for my Android phone," said privacy advocate Alexander Hanff, while others baulked at the idea of the scaled up data sharing.

Looking to clear up what it views as confusion about the changes, Google has made a follow-up announcement that it hopes will allay critics' fears.

"A lot has been said about our new privacy policy. Some have praised us for making our privacy policy easier to understand. Others have asked questions, including members of Congress, and that's understandable too," said Betsy Masiello, Google's policy manager.

"We look forward to answering those questions, and clearing up some of the misconceptions about our privacy policies."

Masiello explained that users do still have choice and control over what they do and when they do it. She said, "We're making things simpler and we're trying to be upfront about it. Period."

She emphasised, "You still have choice and control. We're not collecting more data about you. Our new policy simply makes it clear that we use data to refine and improve your experience on Google - whichever products or services you use. This is something we have already been doing for a long time." µ