Google Desktop Search Under Fire

AchilleCB writes "Cnn and many other sources are jumping on the Google-privacy-bash bandwagon, they are carrying stories warning of more privacy implications regarding Google's Desktop Search, "if it's installed on computers at libraries and Internet cafes, users could unwittingly allow people who follow them on the PCs, for example, to see sensitive information in e-mails they've exchanged. That could mean revealed passwords, conversations with doctors, or viewed Web pages detailing online purchases." ... Type in "hotmail.com" and you'll get copies, or stored caches, of messages that previous users have seen. Enter an e-mail address and you can read all the messages sent to and from that address. Type "password" and get password reminders that were sent back via e-mail."

library users?

[Texodore]

What is someone going to find if they install this on a library computer? livejournal.com pages? Orlando Bloom pictures? Lyrics to an Eminem CD? chat sessions with pinkkitty5555?

Don't forget 911

[anorlunda]

Wait! If we don't search for every private bit of information on public computers, then we could be accused of missing potential advanced warning of the next 911 terrorist plot.

The Google engine should be required under The Patriot Act to forward everything that it finds on every public computer to Homeland Security at connectthedots.gov

Defensive measures such as logout and flushing the cache are acts of terrorism. :)

Re:Lurking privacy concern

[savagedome]

You are blaming the violet light maker when it finds those 'stains' on your bed sheet. The stains were already there. You just didn't know and now you are pissed that everybody found out!

Re:Google Desktop Search - VNC pairing

[Anonymous Coward]

oh nos!!! ur ev1l 0ff-t3h sh3lf hax0r m0v3s w1ll st34l my megahurtz!

way to think out of the box dude.
jesus...

Re:Security Diversion

[Hatta]

People who don't understand how things should be done are befuddled when confronted with the way they are done.

In todays society it's generally the inverse. People who do understand how things should be done are befuddled when confronted with the way they are done.

Re:Security Diversion

[Anonymous Coward]

That's why I don't like things like federal databases, or even cross-company commercial database integration.

Oh, come on. The only reason you don't like federal databases is because you owe the IRS $2,674.26 in back taxes and penalties from your 1999 taxes. And you never paid that parking ticket you got on 2nd Street in Cincinnati. Ohio on December 22, 2002. And there's that toll booth in Chicago you drove through without paying three times back in July. If you don't take care of your tickets, we might have to sieze the $3299 plasma TV you put on your Visa card on the 17th of last month (normally we'd threaten to put a lien on your house, but our records show that you moved into an apartment back in June).

Re:Lurking privacy concern

[Anonymous Coward]

It has to do with Lewinskygate.