ET will periodically analyse debatable or dubious claims that catch public attention and try to bring clarity and order in what often becomes fact-free free-for-all.
Claim: Google’s new rules effective January 9 will improve users’ privacy.
Who makes it: Google, obviously
Is it a fact?
First, the proof will be in how new rules work. Second, these rules make Google even more powerful. So, not a fact now, and may not be fully true even later. ET explains.
What is Google’s new privacy policy?
* Provides granular details on what permissions are granted by users for using a
specific app.
* Curbs permission for apps to access users’ call logs and SMSes.
* Limits access of third-party apps to consumers’ Gmail data.
* Only apps selected as default by users get access to call logs and SMSes.
What Does This Mean?
For users:
*Companies won’t be able to target ads based on email data.
*Create more clarity on what data an app is seeking.
*You can use Google’s security checkup tool to check what third-party apps have access to your Gmail account.
*Create more clarity on what data an app is seeking.
*You can use Google’s security checkup tool to check what third-party apps have access to your Gmail account.
For app developers:
*Gmail add-ons will have to ask for permission to access your inbox, at regular intervals.
*Startups targeting the next 100+million Internet users where data around consumer behaviour & smartphone usage pattern is critical will find business tougher.
*If a review by an app is not submitted within a stipulated time period, Google will start rolling back what the app can access.
*Startups targeting the next 100+million Internet users where data around consumer behaviour & smartphone usage pattern is critical will find business tougher.
*If a review by an app is not submitted within a stipulated time period, Google will start rolling back what the app can access.
So, will privacy really increase?
*Time will tell whether snooping without your knowledge or permission stops.
*But note that new rules make Google even more powerful—only Google has users’ data, and that means our Internet privacy is almost entirely dependent on one company.
*But note that new rules make Google even more powerful—only Google has users’ data, and that means our Internet privacy is almost entirely dependent on one company.
*Therefore, the question, if Google wants to bar third-party access to data, why not have external auditors implement the plan.
*While the privacy question remains open, many app developers will grumble.
