Google may not completely dominate the online advertising landscape, but its proposed acquisition of DoubleClick suggests it’s looking to expand its reach. DoubleClick offers a different form of advertising – display or graphical – that Google previously lacked direct access to. This move is reminiscent of Google’s Dmarc acquisition and the ClearChannel deal that allowed Google to venture into radio advertising. Reactions are mixed, but some industry experts predict shock if the Department of Justice blocks the DoubleClick deal.
Privacy Concerns Arise
EPIC (The Electronic Privacy Information Center) and various groups highlight their apprehensions about potential privacy intrusions. The acquisition would mean Google’s vast tracking capabilities – covering user browsing habits, search queries, and other user data – could integrate with DoubleClick’s powerful behavioral targeting and ad tracking tools. However, Google’s CEO, Eric Schmidt, insists that these data pools would remain separate.
In pop culture, Stephen Colbert coined the term truthiness. This humorous term alludes to the idea of something feeling true, regardless of its actual veracity. In this context, one might wonder about Google’s trustiness, or their trustworthiness.
DoubleClick’s Past Controversies
In 2000, DoubleClick faced criticism when they unveiled plans to combine offline data with online user behaviors, including email and other contact details. Their solution? Selling the division responsible for the “real-world” data.
Google’s Trustworthiness: A Closer Look
One question that emerges is the distinct trust users have for Google, which they might not have had for DoubleClick. Google’s longstanding principle of “Don’t Be Evil” may be a part of this trust. Although it’s a bold statement, Google has shown commitment to this ethos beyond just mentioning it on their website.
Actions speak louder than words. Recently, Google declared their decision to partially anonymize IP addresses after two years of tracking through their search function. Moreover, they denied the Department of Justice’s request for two months’ worth of user search data, a stance different from MSN, Yahoo, and AOL. This defiance wasn’t in vain, as Google triumphed in court.
In essence, many feel Google holds vast amounts of their personal data. Yet, the trust persists. Google’s actions consistently resonate with what’s morally right, understanding that their business model hinges on user trust. Abandoning this trust could lead to users migrating elsewhere, potentially causing the business’s downfall. Trust, in this instance, isn’t just about truthiness. It’s about genuine trustworthiness, which many believe Google has in spades.
Related Articles
