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Privacy concerns arise with Google

Although many Internet users eagerly await each new technology from Google Inc., its rapid expansion is also prompting concerns that the company may know too much: what you read, where you surf and travel, whom you write. Though the internet search engine giant says that they take security concerns very seriously, in an age where governments seek greater control over the internet and access to users` information Google is udner increasing scrutiny to be sure that actions match words.

Some privacy advocates worry about the potential: The data`s very existence - conveniently all under a single digital roof - makes Google a prime target for abuse by overzealous law enforcers and criminals alike. Though Google`s privacy protection is generally comparable to that of Microsoft, Yahoo, Amazon and a host of other Internet giants, the scope of information held by Google sets it apart from other sites. Google says it takes privacy very seriously.

"In general, as a company, we look at privacy from design all the way (through) launch," said Nicole Wong, an associate general counsel at Google.