Aussies, How Much Do You Trust Google?

deme on 24/04/2023 - 17:42

G'day Oz,

I thought it would be interesting to have a discussion around the following points with my fellow Aussies:

  1. How much trust do you have in Google, considering their access to a vast amount of your personal data?
  2. Have you ever felt the need to switch to alternative services? If so, which ones have you tried and why? Are there any Aussie-based alternatives you'd recommend?
  3. How do you feel about Google's commitment to user privacy and data security? Do you believe they are taking adequate measures to protect your information?
  4. Do you think Google's dominance in multiple sectors is a cause for concern? Why or why not?
  5. What, if any, steps have you taken to limit the data you share with Google or to protect your privacy?

Cheers, mates!

Poll Options

  • 18
    I trust Google
  • 48
    I kinda trust Google
  • 124
    I don't trust Google
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Comments

  • freefall101 on 24/04/2023 - 18:10
    +3
    1. I trust them to make as much money as possible from my data. That's by serving me ads because they can do that forever.
    2. I use duck duck go for search and ad/js blockers. I do really want to switch from gmail but it's probably too late, they already have everything
    3. They are definitely aware that one good security breach and they're done for, so I feel they're actually committed. User privacy though I suspect will be the first thing to go if Google ever starts to lose their dominance.
    4. I'm not concerned about Google's dominance, overnight the whole ChatGPT thing is threatening to eat their lunch. They dominate two spaces, search and ads, and I'm fine with that, they get more info about me from Gmail than anything else they do.
    5. I've given up, what's done is done at this point.
    • deme on 24/04/2023 - 18:11

      They are definitely aware that one good security breach and they're done for, so I feel they're actually committed.

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Aurora#History

      • freefall101 on 24/04/2023 - 18:15
        +3

        I forgot about that one. Although I assume China knows more about me than Google does, to mark potential dissidents for when they take over the world.

        • deme on 24/04/2023 - 18:16

          Isn't DuckDuckGo just Bing?

          Why not something like https://search.brave.com ?

          • freefall101 on 24/04/2023 - 18:24

            @deme: They draw from a bunch of places (including their own crawler) but it's mostly bing. Key thing though is that no data goes to bing, so each search is anonymous.

            Brave makes a big deal out of results not being influenced in any wayn but I'm not particularly worried about that.

  • bobbified on 24/04/2023 - 18:21
    +9

    This sounds like one of those Google Rewards surveys!

    • deme on 24/04/2023 - 18:23

      Do those still exist?

      • bobbified on 24/04/2023 - 18:24
        +1

        I saw a similar one last week from Google. (I get a new survey every few days through their app).

        • brendanm on 24/04/2023 - 18:51
          -1

          Same with me, basically asking if I trust Google or apple more. I said neither.

  • brendanm on 24/04/2023 - 18:22
    +7

    Not much. Google search itself has rapidly fallen away in usability as well.

    • ihfree on 24/04/2023 - 19:12
      +1

      Google search itself has rapidly fallen away in usability as well.

      * Google services

      Google software has so many small annoyances and glitches. It could just be software in general though.

    • Loopholio on 25/04/2023 - 10:53

      For the last year or two I've added reddit to most of my Google searches. It's the only way I can get useful information out of Google's search engine.

    • whatwasherproblem on 25/04/2023 - 15:42
      +1

      I hadn't used the reverse image search for a bit, but when I used it recently it was awful. I don't even understand how that happened, it was fine before. All they had to do was keep it the way it was.

    • ThithLord on 26/04/2023 - 08:54
      +1

      Why do you say that? You don't like delving through fifteen advertisements before finding a sponsored search result?

  • AustriaBargain on 24/04/2023 - 18:31
    +5

    Not at all. I avoid it and their services where possible, which is almost impossible. When making a website I use Apple Maps instead of Google Maps, and Apple will redirect people without Apple Maps app to Google Maps automatically. I won't use any Google cookies or tracking, even though Google already tracks the visit through their search engine and Chrome browser anyway. I try to limit Google's reach as much as possible in what I do and Google still tracks almost everything I do. It wouldn't be so bad if Google weren't in the business of selling all that data and using it all for invasive ads. It's why I'm happy to pay the Apple Tax, because Apple don't treat you and your data like the product they are going to sell to someone else.

    • deme on 24/04/2023 - 18:48
      +2

      Why not use another browser like Firefox or Brave?

      • AustriaBargain on 24/04/2023 - 19:20
        +1

        I use Safari and Firefox personally. I meant websites I have made have people using Chrome visit them and Chrome reports to Google that the visit occurred. A lot of people land on websites through Google search results, so probably the only way to hide a visit from Google is to visit a website that doesn't have any Google scripts and shit on it, using a browser that isn't by Google, and typing the address directly in the address bar or clicking a link an en email or private message or something. But most websites have Google shit running on them so resistance is probably futile.

      • payless69 on 24/04/2023 - 19:33
        +1

        Life without Brave would be impossible!

    • ihfree on 24/04/2023 - 19:10

      That seems counter-intuitive to use Chrome given your aims. Are you signed in or using any software to block tracking?

      • AustriaBargain on 24/04/2023 - 19:17
        +2

        No I mean a lot of the visitors to websites I am responsible for use Chrome. I don't use Chrome myself, except for testing websites with Chrome to make sure they load properly.

  • Ryanek on 24/04/2023 - 19:12
    +10

    Notice they stopped using the slogan "Don't be evil"?

  • DingoBilly on 24/04/2023 - 19:25
    +4

    They've definitely changed over the last few years.

    I genuinely thought they were a great company a decade ago and were looking out for me/doing good things.

    But lately they just seem to have succumbed to the shareholder pressure of jamming in advertising everywhere, making anti-consumer decisions and in general just being a shitty profit-driven company. They are also absolute trash at supporting new services they launch so have zero trust in anything new they do (see things like Google Stadia, or Google Music Player which was replace by the absolutely trash Youtube player in comparison.).

  • payless69 on 24/04/2023 - 19:46
    +1

    Hey Google: Is there something you don't know about me?
    ChatGPT reckons the probability is near a trillion to one….

  • Italkdigital on 24/04/2023 - 19:56

    Theres an ad banner above me while typing in this box, well if its google advertising they usually dont get the right ads delivered to me, now im sure Ozbargain will make some money me clicking the above advertising banner, Ozbargain is free, so are a lot of services from Google, dont know why people make such a fuss about advertising, so big deal Google knows my locations (I actually purposely allow Google to know my location so in future I can see were ive travelled with Google maps, im sure my travels are boring to most lol), they know sites i search, if its something to personal then dont use Google services, theres Firefox Focus and other Browser for privacy, yes at the end of the day they could be as bad as TikTok collecting ones data but one should certainlly be careful what one does online, I certainlly don't do banking through a web browser or worse using Windows based device, always use the banks app on a phone cause the bank can turn around and say one didnt update this or that, the mobile app is theres and cant be used unless its been updated, can go on all day, Googles just another big company yes that wants to profit out of you, just like Coles, Bunnings and the likes 👍

  • Jugganautx on 24/04/2023 - 19:57
    +1

    It doesn't matter if you trust google or any other app you've installed in the last 15 years. They have your information no matter what. Facebook has all of your life story, but everyone tolerates it anyway.

    • deme on 24/04/2023 - 19:59

      Just stop using it

    • Italkdigital on 24/04/2023 - 20:21
      +1

      Facebook is a funny one, people go out of their way telling everyone what they do, I mean literally everything, but whats so funny is their fb account isnt set to be private so everyone can see all their posts not just their family and friends they think their sharing with only

      You know you dont have to use your real name and other details with any account one sets up, well surely Google allows one to setup numerous gmail accounts, got to be a little savvy when sharing ones details over the internet

      My 2 cents 😂🤣😅🤑

      Edit: maybe this should be taught in schools like sex education, well both one can get screwed 😄

      • moar bargains on 25/04/2023 - 15:37
        +2

        I think I currently have 7 Google accounts. I've also noticed ads for psychologists specialising in multiple personality disorder recently. It's probably not related though…

      • barge-in hunter on 26/04/2023 - 09:51
        +2

        I like the idea and it's great in theory, but unfortunately digital tracking has been very advanced for a long time. In order for this to work, you also need to have some fairly advanced privacy steps in place. A couple of examples include:
        - using a very secure browser (eg, not Chrome) that has native privacy restrictions or an excellent ad blocker installed. Chrome for example, sends usage data back to Google at a browser level, so it won't matter which Google account a website is logged into (or if you're using incognito even). Other websites and systems do "user fingerprinting"; creating a near unique identifier, based on every bit of data your browser makes available to them (OS, browser versions, extensions installed, public IP address & ISP etc etc).
        - never logging into multiple accounts through apps on the same device. The Android OS for example, sends tracking data back to Google at a phone level, so it won't matter which Google account an app is logged into.

  • lostgoat on 24/04/2023 - 20:27
    +2

    I understand why they removed their motto ' Don't be evil ' .

    • whatwasherproblem on 25/04/2023 - 15:44

      They probably felt like the motto no longer aligned with their company's values.

  • fantombloo on 24/04/2023 - 21:26
    +1

    Have you ever felt the need to switch to alternative services? If so, which ones have you tried and why? Are there any Aussie-based alternatives you'd recommend?

    I don't like google but, like with any enemy, had a silent deal with them: they give me the services and I give them the data. When they started charging for legacy workspace I bailed multiple accounts, personal and business, and also multiple business accounts that were already on paid subscription. Had to keep a few because some users are so resistant to / unable to learn new things. I still have a few gmail addresses for my own general crap and stuff I'm not invested in.

    Google own us all. These days I might still be in their pocket but I do feel a bit less dirty at least not being in their bed. Same with MS. I long for the day when the Android and Windows tethers can be cut. Unbelievable that the world's states continue to let them get away with their sh!t - says something about their relationship for sure.

    These days I'm paying for Fastmail and Sync. Coupled with the right FOSS I'm sorta getting everything done as well as before.

    • kiitos on 27/04/2023 - 16:50

      Can you elaborate on what you're using instead and how you're finding them?

      • fantombloo on 27/04/2023 - 20:27

        These days I'm paying for Fastmail and Sync. Coupled with the right FOSS I'm sorta getting everything done as well as before.

        • kiitos on 27/04/2023 - 21:12

          I meant what FOSS are you using, LibreOffice, etc?

          • fantombloo on 27/04/2023 - 21:19
            +1

            @kiitos: Yes, LibreOffice for those types of things. I use plenty of FOSS or free / donationware - depends what you're after. Always donate if it's useful - better to give an indy $10 than a behemoth ten times that.

  • nomoneynoproblems on 24/04/2023 - 22:05
    -1

    I try to limit using google services as much as I can. I use Firefox and DuckDuckGo and an now an iOS convert, however it’s hard to wean off YouTube and gmail unfortunately…

  • Chmmr on 24/04/2023 - 22:11

    I trust them more than any other service provider.

  • SBOB on 24/04/2023 - 22:53
    +3

    I get more value from Google related services, than google gets from me.
    Search, photo storage, Waze/maps, Gmail.

  • [Deactivated] on 24/04/2023 - 23:43
    -1

    Aussies, How Much Do You Trust Google?

    How did the other countries you polled compare?

  • felipe1982 on 25/04/2023 - 07:43

    I trust them a lot because I use their email service for everything, including Google drive. I trust their multifacor authentication mechanisms because I depend on them a lot. I do prefer DuckDuckGo for my search though due to Privacy.

  • Exec-Matrix on 25/04/2023 - 07:50

    As much as I trust Apple. Not much.

  • Motek Benzona on 25/04/2023 - 08:37
    +1

    I trust them. Thy are honest, present balanced information and only want to help people. Hopefully said noone ever…

  • Sinnerator on 25/04/2023 - 09:38

    The search results have become much worse over the last 3ish years.
    Never trusted google with my data.
    20 years ago google "Don't be evil". Today "Don't be google".

  • niknah on 25/04/2023 - 10:10
    +1

    It's not Google I worry about. They have too much data from the billions around the world worry about me. I am worried about when the gov / police requests forces them to give individual data about me.

  • rekke on 25/04/2023 - 10:50
    +1

    They can make a profit from me, no problem. It's when their enormous database gets into the hands of those who will do much worse with it, is when I am concerned. At this stage it is all being collected, who knows what will happen with the data in the future (AI, Government, etc)

  • inherentchoice on 25/04/2023 - 10:59

    I trust them with my data but I don't trust their censorship or bias.

  • Loopholio on 25/04/2023 - 11:02
    +2

    I trust Google with my data because they have a great interest in being the only ones to keep my data. A data leak would cost them dearly so I believe my data with them is reasonably safe.

    I use most of Google's services. I'm in too deep, there's no way out even if I wanted to leave. :)

  • CandyMan on 25/04/2023 - 12:32

    I trust them as much as I trust Optus, Medibank, and latitude financial

  • Nugs on 25/04/2023 - 12:35

    Can't throw them at all, so….
    .

  • Jared17 on 25/04/2023 - 15:17
    +1

    I trust them as much as the US government so basically zero trust.

    It’s funny how brainwashed normal aussies are though even though they fear monger against China but seem okay with how US treats Assange and Snowden when they expose US war crimes and surveillance

  • Italkdigital on 25/04/2023 - 16:43

    Funny question dare i call silly

    Aussies, How Much Do You Trust Google?

    Well crazy to actually trust an organisation like Google and any other big organisations or small, well if one is using the term "trust" as one would trust a family member of close friend

    Mind you their bound by laws to do the right thing "period", I'm sure if there werent certain laws in place theyll certainly try to milk especially any loopholes in the law to there advantage, well their advantage is too make as much profit out of their services as possible, like any other profit making company big or small, doesnt everyone in one sense, finding the best paid job, searching Ozbargain for the best deals so on

    Unless the company/business is so small that you actually know the owner/CEO of the business and that person you feel has good morals to run a profit making business otherwise nearly impossible to form directly trust with a big organisation like Google, well its run by so many different individuals how can one know all the individuals morals are sound and trust worthy, certainly most probably all organisations has broken certain morals for one would use to form trust, come to mind Optus there online hack, Coles and 7-Eleven wage theft, their even been non profit organisations that are out there to help the most vulnerable that have broken rules one would would call moral but we all still use these companies services so is that trust cause one is

    But yes one can trust there services to do what there meant to do close too 100% of the time especially over time using these services, crazy to solely trust a profit making company by their services ones happy with

    PS: Yes I'm a happy user of Googles services, a big mungreal company making billions in prohits

    Again my 2 cents 👍😁😄🤑😅🤣😂🤪😜

    • deme on 25/04/2023 - 16:45

      Funny question dare i call silly

      …

      Well crazy to actually trust an organisation like Google

      …

      PS: Yes I'm a happy user of Googles services

  • Member 0230 on 26/04/2023 - 15:20

    Hey OP, my quick answer is No.

    I posted this How Google's Browser Became a Threat to Privacy and Democracy almost exactly a year ago — unsure if it's 100% correct, but even if it's only half correct, it didn't improve my view on Google.

  • Adriftx on 10/06/2023 - 17:44

    Google tells me when I have to call my wife, when I have bus or plane to catch and which photos I have taken years ago will make me happy now. So yeah I don't think I need to worry too much about Google now.

    • deme on 11/06/2023 - 09:25

      Pig 1: Isn't it great we have to pay nothing for the barn?
      Pig 2: Yeah and even the food is free!

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