Google offering an 'opt-out' option from personalised ads.

[superclown2]

Here in the UK I've noticed the following headline on Google's home page lately:

"See all the tools that you have to control your privacy at My Account."

Clicking on this takes us to options to opt-out of personalised ads based on our visits to various Google properties. Each one has to be opted-out of individually.

It's all a bit pointless really. Under UK law (I can't speak for the rest of Europe) visitors should have the option of opting-in to receive personalised results, rather than having to opt out. Just a try-on by Google IMO, as the deadline for falling-in with European law gets closer.

[Leosghost]

Opt out of personalised ads as a user existed already, even with Google..
Of course some would ( and probably will ) say that only a cynic would think that there was any ulterior motive in Google drawing one's attention to it now..

Now if they offered opting into all "tracking"..that would be a beginning..

[toidi]

Sign in so we can track your every keystroke and we won't let ads follow you around! Wow, what a great choice!

[superclown2]

Now they have a bold footer banner headed 'A Privacy Reminder From Google'. There's then a link to an explanation of how they do us all such a great favour by abusing our privacy and there's a prominent 'I Agree' button.

Strangely enough there is no 'I Don't Agree' button. They really must think that our legislators were born yesterday.