19 June 2007

Google's privacy policy goes public

Google has just launched its Google Public Policy blog, a previously internal company blog that's now been made public in order to open up discussion of the search engine's policies and practices to all.

A report released last week by Privacy International (PI) questioned Google's commitment to online privacy. Now, through their new public blog, Google will address issues relating to internet privacy, as well as child online safety, copyright and trademark protection, content regulation, patent system reform and broadband policy.

In his most recent blog post, Google's Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs, Andrew McLaughlin, outlined his vision of their new Public Policy blog as a means for policymakers and consumers alike to express their viewpoints and stimulate discussion regarding the development of the Internet. He commented:

"These issues are fundamental to the future of the Internet (and of the individuals it empowers), and are increasingly prominent on the agendas of policymakers worldwide.

"With input and ideas from our users, we'll surely do a better job of fighting for our common interests."

Google have been running the blog internally since April and have now opened up these postings to the public by enabling comments from users. McLaughlin views this move as a means by which Google users can "help us refine and improve our policy positions and advocacy strategies."

Although those critical of Google's consumer privacy policy may view this latest move as a clever marketing ploy, designed to improve public perception following last week's slating by industry watchdog PI, there is no denying that the search engine are now inviting debate of their policies on a very public stage.

With future posts to follow from Google's public policy team on hot issues such as censorship, innovation regulation, immigration, R&D and national security, it seems the internet search leader is determined to reject any concerns raised over its privacy intentions, while demonstrating its ongoing commitment to public policies.

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