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Google Profiles: Cyberstalking just got a whole lot easier
Right now your Google Profile will only show the information you enter. For example, you can customize your nickname, about field, or put a list of links. Google will not automatically populate those links with other Google properties, although we imagine they might in the future. For example, if you fill out a profile on Google Maps, we wouldn't be surprised to see Google automatically add your Blogger, Orkut, and other information. We certainly hope your Gmail and Google Talk info stays private though.
For now, only the links that you enter will show up in your profile. So if you want to promote your web site, or give attention to some of your favorite sites (like perhaps, Download Squad?), you can share those links with anyone who reads your profile.
If you want to fill out your Google Profile today, your best bet is to go to Google Maps and click the "My Profile" button at the top of the screen. You won't find this link on most other services yet. But eventually Google plans to make your profile visible on multiple services. If you use your full name as a nickname, people will also be able to discover your profile by doing a Google Search for your name.
[via Google Operating System]
Comments
5
Subscribe to commentsgrandinDec 16th 2007 5:36PM
I call bullshit on the idea that "Cyberstalking just got a whole lot easier." Sure, Google Profiles will help concentrate online activities not originally meant to be public around "user nodes", and will definitely increase the findability of individuals who are active across the range of Google services, but I don't see how this new feature will game-changingly make individuals more vulnerable.
Anyone savvy enough to activate their G-profile and participate in the Googlesphere with this notionally more real-world-based identity avatar should already have an appreciation of the risks of digital full-disclosure. If you are among them, and you are already "putting yourself out there", chances are you have an established trail that any "cyberstalker" could sniff out. I highly doubt that this feature will make the process so much easier as to constitute a unique new "threat".
Titling posts like this, even if in jest, is tantamount to fearmongering. Download Squad should know better.
RyanDec 16th 2007 8:00PM
Google Profiles is also available in Goggle Reader, too.
Settings -> Friends - > "Your Google Profile"
ZaxxonDec 17th 2007 11:46AM
Again, this doesn't work for "Google Apps" :-(
JoseDec 17th 2007 6:40PM
Everyone who uses these services probably agreed somewhere for google to be allowed to do this.<
mobyDec 20th 2007 4:39PM
There is also one on the Gtalk page. Not sure if they are the same or merged yet. The gtalk one kept crashing. I setup the maps link one over two weeks ago.