Micheal’s rantings, ravings, and general banter

Raise your hand if you downloaded Google’s Chrome browser. Now put it down before someone gives you funny looks.

Google recently release a new browser they call “Chrome.” It looks nice, has a decent set of features, but I for one am worried.

11. Content license from you

11.1 You retain copyright and any other rights you already hold in Content which you submit, post or display on or through, the Services. By submitting, posting or displaying the content you give Google a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free, and non-exclusive license to reproduce, adapt, modify, translate, publish, publicly perform, publicly display and distribute any Content which you submit, post or display on or through, the Services. This license is for the sole purpose of enabling Google to display, distribute and promote the Services and may be revoked for certain Services as defined in the Additional Terms of those Services.

11.2 You agree that this license includes a right for Google to make such Content available to other companies, organizations or individuals with whom Google has relationships for the provision of syndicated services, and to use such Content in connection with the provision of those services.

Why do they need to know what I post? Furthermore, someone viewing my site with Chrome gives Google permission to modify my content. My content. Not their content, not the content the user created, but my content. And you thought Google’s motto was “Don’t be evil?” Ha! They look at what you post, what you view (you know, that steamy message from your boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife?), and what other people post, who did not explicitly give Google permission to steal their content.

But it gets better. As Microsoft Watch pointed out, Google specifically tracks you through a unique installation number. Why on earth does Google need a unique installation number? How does this help them achieve their goal of not being evil? Sounds like some people at Google need a good wallop upside their head.