It records all your searches; develops a profile about you from your use of the search engine and your visits to other websites; if you use gmail it reads your emails so that it can serve you adverts; if you use Google Maps it literally knows where you are down to a point of 3 metres; its secret algorithm is NOT the Dewey Decimal System, so it should concern everyone about how decisions are made about the editorial policy, the prioritisation of websites in search results and the information that comes top of search rankings.
But it is very easy.
So whilst people should be concerned about Google, naturally there are benefits, and just like walking into McDonalds for a hot meal that's ready in less than a minute, the convenience of the service means that people can sell out their ethics and concerns about dealing with companies that raise ethical concerns.
However, since my last bike got stolen, I decided I wasn't going to mess around - I got myself a Google bike.
Never heard of one? Well this is where some of that scarey stuff that Google does has a security utility.
The chip forged into the Google Bike's frame means you can track via Google Maps by synching it with your mobile phone or sticking a code into the app on your PC. I like it because if someone steals it, I can instantly find out exactly where it is within 3 square metres - and so can the police.
Of course, it's also handy if you just forget where you parked the bloody thing. Doubtless parents might get Google Bikes so that they can keep track of their kids when they go out cycling.
So whilst Google can be scarey, the social utility of some of its applications is undeniable. Maybe I fear the untransparent monotlith of information gathering that is Google. Or from my experience with the Google Bike, maybe I don't mind Google and it's tracking, info gathering, profiling activities, as long as I'm in charge of it.
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