Comment by DrJokepu
15 years ago
I'd like to hear Erich Schmidt's half of the story.
This is typical Internet drama. We have seen it a million times. I give the guy the benefit of doubt since this wouldn't be the first occasion some journalist taken a sentence out of context.
There is no other half. It's a quote taken completely out of context and blown out of proportion with absolutely moronic commentary. I can't believe this is the kind of thing that makes it to the front page of HN, much less to the #1 spot :(
But the bigger news may be that Schmidt has actually admitted there are cases where the search giant is forced to release your personal data.
Oh, you mean Google follows US laws? They don't participate in acts of civil disobedience in a suicidal effort to protect our privacy!? Eeeevil!
Try hackerhackernews.com. It's the same site, but uses some Bayesian modeling to filter out the TechCrunch-like internet drama.
Unfortunately, not regularly updated:
> Page generated at 17:55 on 15 October 2009 (PDT).
It sounds like the interview which was done by CNBC during their hour-long special about a week ago on Google. I'll check when I get home since I have it on my DVR, but they usually re-air their specials every few weeks so keep an eye out for it.
I think Im probably with you on this one. There has been a lot of anti-google rumbling the last few months and I guess this is mostly a continuation of that.
Pretty silly thing to have said though.
While you're right that vilifying Schmidt based on this statement is a little ridiculous, I'd say that one would still be wise to take it as a warning. Chances are that Google not only has your search history, but your email history, many of your documents information about your travel plans, and more. All it would take is for one unscrupulous executive to abuse his position and ruin your life. Chances are, no matter how innocent you are, you have something to hide. Google doesn't have to morally evil to justify our being wary of it.