Google has just released the newly available Checkout process. A so-called GBuy service. This service is meant to save consumer and merchant’s time on simplify the shopping process. Google will take care the credit card and payment gateway for both side. Regardless what Google has to offer for merchant and consumer, Google claim not to reveal any customer information such as credit card number and email address to the merchant. All communication are handled by Google Checkout.

Think about this. Did you ever received junk email with related ad after you shopping on the internet? Most of online store, they do NOT 100% protect your privacy. Even you use your Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover card, those companies track your shopping behaviors as well. That is how those companies knows when fraud or stolen credit card was used.

Do you think Google will protect your privacy? Google may not reveal your identity, but I believe they will collect your online shopping behaviors for business purpose. As more people using Google’s free services such as Toolbar for browser, Google Map, Google Earth, Google Base, Google Video search, Google Take and Google Desktop. They are collecting your information since the first day you install their software. It’s possible that you will see the ad of your favorite items on your desk that you have wanted for a long time.

In my computer consulting experience, I know the existence of data mining projects that collects consumer shopping behavior for large retail store like WalMart and credit card company like Visa and MasterCard. They use these collected information to provide merchant more accurate and complete ways to attract consumers for next time shopping. It also gives the merchant knowledge regarding to the hot item for each consumer. Google’s business is driven by a huge database. Now Google will be able to display different ad on their search result page based on the consumer’s shopping behaviors. Because of the accuracy, it will generate more traffic to their merchant’s web site. Eventually, it will drive the business to Google’s bank account.

What a smart move. Google have successfully invade your computer’s desktop and your life, since it starts the search engine. Now it’s time to think. Do you trust it?

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