Google moves to counter negative privacy Buzz

by Stevie Smith - Feb 15 2010, 07:00

Privacy concerns and a rush of complaints connected to Google’s new Buzz platform have resulted in the search giant quickly offering up apologies while also scrambling to make alterations to the recently launched social networking service.

Buzz began receiving privacy criticism soon after its unveiling, with specific focus placed on the service’s ability to automatically seek out and connect new users by accessing their Google Gmail address lists.

Writing in an official Google blog post, Todd Jackson, product manager for both Gmail and Buzz, acknowledged mounting privacy concerns voiced by a host of technology blogs and industry watchers.

However, he also insisted the auto-follow feature had only been designed with a view to helping new users connect with people they already knew through Gmail – not to publicly expose the names of their private email correspondents.

“We’re very sorry for the concern we’ve caused and have been working hard ever since to improve things based on your feedback,” wrote Todd Jackson. “We’ll continue to do so.”

Google has also said it will introduce a specific Buzz tab to the Gmail service, enabling account holders to disable interaction between Buzz and Gmail if they so desire. The automatic connection of public Picasa Web Albums and public items shared via Google Reader will also become a process instigated by the user.

Jackson also said a revised start-up process will be implemented in the near future, which will provide users with the ability to review and confirm fellow account holders connected to their profiles, and also grant them the opportunity to completely opt out of Buzz participation.

Google has said the changes to Buzz – which was apparently accessed by tens of millions of Gmail users within 48 hours of launch – are expected to be in place before the close of this week.

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