Google To Issue Privacy Reset For Buzz

[engine]

Google To Issue Privacy Reset For Buzz [news.bbc.co.uk]

Google has said that it will begin to roll out a privacy reset for its controversial social network Buzz.

The search giant will ask all its users to confirm or change their privacy settings, starting on 5 April.

The firm was forced to make a series of changes to Buzz just days after launch, following a backlash from users worried about privacy intrusions.

"Shortly after launching Google Buzz, we quickly realised we didn't get everything right and moved as fast as possible to improve the Buzz experience," said Buzz product manager Todd Jackson in a blog post.

[pageoneresults]

I don't know about everyone else but the buzz fizzled based on what I'm seeing. It didn't catch on at all and I don't think it will this time around. The privacy issues were at the top of the list of concerns. Did Google fix everything else? Like the UI? All I heard were complaints on how difficult it was to use.

[J_RaD]

I already changed my setting... O-F-F!

I bet after this "privacy setting" it will suddenly be back on

[ChanandlerBong]

They will use this "change" as an opportunity to throw it back into people's faces again.

Google simply doesn't understand the word "no".

[Nobias]

I bet after this "privacy setting" it will suddenly be back on.

This regularly happens to me. The fact they secretly reverse your changes is the biggest problem here. It applies to all Google services, starting from gmail and ending on search preferences.

[J_RaD]

All my gmail accounts have turned into spam accounts when you have to 'enter your email address' for stuff.

No personal usage anymore, and Im back to using a real mail client vs webmail! I really like the client 1000% better then webmail why did I ever leave :-P

[TheMadScientist]

So, does this mean next time I try to say I don't want Buzz enabled in my account I'm going to see the following?

Please Confirm your Buzz Privacy Settings by Completing the Following Simple Form

Since there were so many misunderstandings previously and we want to make sure your privacy is in your hands, please start confirming your privacy settings by completing the following form.

Yes, completing this form is necessary even if you don't want Buzz enabled in your account because of the privacy concerns some misguided individuals have raised. Completing this form makes it so we can confirm it's really your decision to disable Buzz from your account, and by making sure it's really your decision you help us better protect your privacy.

* Designates Required

* First Name:
* Last Name:
* Mother's Maiden Name:

* Street Address:
* City:
* State:
* Zip/Postal Code:
* Country:

* Length of Time at the Above Address: YEARS + MONTHS

* Home Phone:
* Work Phone:
* Mobile Phone:

* Employer:
* Length of Employment:

* US Residents SSN:

* Number of People in Household:
* Children: AGE | AGE | AGE
* Children's Names (comma separated):
* Pets:
* Pets Names (comma separated):

* Age:
* Height:
* Weight:
* Eye Color:
* Hair Color:

* Birthmarks:
* Tattoos:
* Scars:

* State or Federally Issued Identification Issued to You at the Address Above:

* Major Credit Card Number Issued to Your Name and Address:

[J_RaD]

Join me friend, you too can shun goog

[Hugene]

Just saw the new change of privacy control panel for Buzz: the option to show your contacts was un-checked. So the contacts are not shown on your public profile. Not sure if this is because I had already this option removed or because this is the new default. Can somebody confirm this.

If the new default is not to show the contacts, G has saved their derrieres from a massive investigation.

Hopefully they were smart enough to do that.