Google Fiber in Kansas City. I’m torn between jealousy and skepticism concerning the many areas of our lives that Google tries to invade these days.
Don’t be evil was yesterday, … ever since Larry Page took over the position as CEO of Google in April 2011 (in my opinion). Googlers and Ex-Googlers I have talked to have voiced their skepticism about changes of internal policies and overall atmosphere within the company. Although that could be biased, which I cannot verify or falsify.
Nevertheless the many interests Google shows are actually rather scary, I think. Let’s consider for example the DNS service they offer. So I block as much of the Adsense-nonsense and tracking in place to stalk me while browsing the web, and then of course I’ll use the uncensored DNS server(s) from Google? I think not. Actually that gives them more information than they already get by my search queries even if I empty out cookies and other web storage in my browsers and use different browsers as well as VPNs and proxies. In short: it provides them with yet another puzzle piece to complete their “picture” of me … of us …
The whole philanthropist look of these “services” boils down to getting to know me, the “user” (and potential marketing victim), better.
// Oliver