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IF YOU RECOGNISE someone familiar in a Google ad or recommendation from today, you might know them well.
In fact, it might even be your own face staring back at you from the computer or mobile phone screen.
That’s because the company has updated its terms of service, which now state that your profile name and photo might appear in Google products.
However, you can control whether your image and name appear in ads via the shared endorsements setting.
Google says in its explanation of the terms that it will take the names and photos from users of Google Plus, as well as information when you +1, comment, or follow.
So your friends, family and others may see your Profile name and photo, and content like the reviews that you share or the ads that you +1’d. This only happens when you take an action (things like +1’ing, commenting or following) – and the only people who see it are the people that you’ve chosen to share that content with.
One example it gives is that “your friends might see that you rated an album 4 stars on the band’s Google Play page. And the +1 you gave your favourite local bakery could be included in an ad that the bakery runs through Google.”
These are called shared endorsements, and when it comes to shared endorsements in ads, you can turn this setting off.
Users under 18 won’t see their actions appearing in ads or other endorsements.
What do you think of these shared endorsements?
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Terminator: Google begins to learn at a geometric rate. It becomes self-aware at 2:14 a.m. Eastern time, August 29th. In a panic, they try to pull the plug.
Sarah Connor: Google fights back?……
hahaha brilliant. I can picture a leather clad muscle man kicking a desk out of the window of the new Montevetro building in town while shooting at Garda cars..
I’m sitting down reading this while drinking my Nescafe double choc mocha and having a delicious Jacobs Mikado and I must say,if this idea works as well as my new Dyson Hooverball suctionometer 3000,then I’m all for it
I feel compelled to go shopping for Nescafe double choc mocha, Jacobs Mikado and a Dyson Hoverball suctionmeter 3000… I wonder why?
I too enjoy a Nescafe double choc mocha, Jacobs Mikadso and my Dyson Hoverball suctionmeter 3000 works jolly well.
Plus one, I say!
I’m don’t think this sort of subtle advertising actually works anyway. I would bet my cute 1950s/rockabilly style dress on it!
So that’s what the flood of emails inviting me to post a photo was all about.
I’m safe. They wouldn’t want my ugly mug on any advertising
could be used to sell burglar alarms?
The world is becoming so dependant on data analytics that if a group wanted to engage in non-violent protest against “the man” the way to do it would not be to organise street protest but to organise a mass movement that is dedicated to generating contrarian data.
The Contrarianists Commandments:
First, Like what you hate.
Second, Friend only loners and loosers
Third, never answer a poll honestly.
Fourth, Tweet randomly, stupidly and often.
Fifth, Search regularly for what you wouldn’t ever dream of buying.
Sixth. When you find what you are really looking for, click on the result just below it + a random number from one to 10 first.
etc.etc.
The ramifications would be enormous if enough people engaged. Has that potential threat ever been considered by “the man”?
In that case, I’ll be happy to continue with my policy of telling the world NOT to buy Nestle products, nor Monsanto, not Coca Cola – and why . . . .
That’s one less account to think about. Just deleted Google+. F**k that
Mrs. Doyle endorse Durex while Father Jack endorses Tipperary sparkling :-)
Afraid not google, I opted out the day they announced this. Its Disgraceful.
Facebook have been doing this for about two years so if people haven’t had an issue with that, then they shouldn’t be having an issue with Google doing it – good move for (sort of) user generated advertising rather than brand-pushed advertising. I presume brands have to pay for this feature to be ‘switched on’.
No charge kate. Its free. Dont think many of the commenters have figured out the advantages yet.
Do people use google plus??
I honestly don’t have much of a problem with this as long as there’s a way to opt out.
To be fair to Google, they do make it easy to opt out. I myself opted out a while back when they announced it so it’s not like they didn’t tell people about it. As other commentators have said it is what Facebook have been doing for years.
Good move. Great for both advertiser and customer.
Says the guy/girl with no face.
Huh?
Your profile picture Jack, if that is your real name!
My profile is a Twitter profile. The new Google ads would only link your google profile and wouldn’t be capable of linking any other social network profiles.
Yeah Jack. Hiding behind a little car. Shame on you.
Scary world out there killjoy. Scary
This has the potential to be seriously abused – For example a fake Renault profile appearing under an ad for Fiat, that’s an example, a poor example.
Afraid not google, I opted out the day they announced this. Its Disgraceful.
It’s called a pseudonyms. Quick lets lynch everyone that does not put all their personal details on the web or uses a pseudonym, J K Rowling watch out!!!!!
Does anyone actually use google plus?
Gotta love a bit of free promo
have your say