“Don't be evil”? Google Corp.

Abstract

Google is a very well-known company worldwide, and it is very innovative and creative which is the reason why it introduces new concepts. One such concept is of the Google Maps that provides people with the access to the various routes and therefore, it plays a very crucial role although there are many privacy concerns with regards to it. Issues with regards to privacy have erupted not just in Google Maps but social networking websites such as Facebook have also served as a threat to privacy and sensitive information of the users. “Don't be evil”? Google corp.

Introduction

A revolutionary product that has shaped the convenient lifestyle modern human being, Google Maps has received criticism from the public for invading of privacy. Indeed, we enjoy many benefits that Google Maps bring to us. For example, with Google Maps, people can easily find out the destination they desire to search in just a second, and the process is a lot faster in comparison with the traditional way that we used to practice, which we looked up the information from the paper-form map. Google Maps can also be used in various portable devices, such as cell phones or electronic tablets. With the portability, we can easily access the application wherever we go. Indeed, the convenience surely has reinforced the importance of Google Maps, however, there are some concerns. The most frequent issue being brought up surrounded by the security of privacy. Some skeptics doubt the motives that Google has been intentionally collecting private information from users. Even though Google claims that they merely use this information to help increase our productivity, the doubt is still not eliminated.

Discussion

Why is privacy such a big issue?

Privacy is a fundamental need of human nature as well as the cornerstone in human society. It lies at the foundation of doctor-patient confidentiality, lawyer-client privilege as well as the value that the society place on the individuals. (Solove, 2006) To speak in a different way, privacy is an indispensable factor in the development of the human civilization. In modern times, without the laws that protect our personal information, some harmful consequence can be seen. For example, medical records or IQ test score are private because they can affect employment. Some claim that after they submit personal information to register memberships at online shop, they frequently receive spam e-mails. These activities unveil the phenomenon that privacy issues have to be taken care, in order to see the future of well-developed internet environment.

America's Privacy Act of 1974 protects all records managed by U.S. federal government agencies, and requires them to apply basic fair information practices in the collection, storage and use of personal information. However, the U.S. has no independent agency to take care of privacy issues. As a result, Private Corporation in the U.S has to manage the regulation themselves. As for Google, it provides well-stated claim of privacy regulation, Google claims. We use information collected from cookies and other technologies, like pixel tag to improve your user ...