Google Desktop Search Functions As Spyware

dioscaido writes "Users of the Google Desktop Search software beware -- it indexes your files across all users on your PC, bypassing user protections. The Google cache feature allows all users to browse the contents of messages and files it has indexed, irrespective of who is logged in. 'This is not a bug, rather a feature,' says Marissa Mayer, Google's director of consumer Web products. 'Google Desktop Search is not intended to be used on computers that are shared with more than one person.'" Reminds me of a Neal Stephenson essay: "The Hole Hawg is dangerous because it does exactly what you tell it to. It is not bound by the physical limitations that are inherent in a cheap drill, and neither is it limited by safety interlocks that might be built into a homeowner's product by a liability-conscious manufacturer. The danger lies not in the machine itself but in the user's failure to envision the full consequences of the instructions he gives to it."

Comments

Re:Tin foil hats for everyone!!

[Anonymous Coward]

It is not often that I, as an AC, agree whole-heatedly with someone. There isn't much point. However, in this case the guy is completely spot on. Don't want someone who uses your computer to see all your files? Then don't install a piece of software which searches all your files.

Sometimes I think you people deserve George W. Bush. And if you don't (or do) vote for him, you would also deserve Whatsisface Kerry. Basically, you all deserve to be fucked up the arse for being so fucking stupid.

What ever happened to "DO NO EVIL"

[Anonymous Coward]

...seriously, has the IPO changed their perspective? "Do No Evil" means exactly that.

Re:Let's get this into perspective

[aardvarkjoe]

this whole google/spyware freak-out is just a bunch of bullshit and the people propagating it are idiots.

The "people propagating it" includes michael. There shouldn't be any question that they're idiots.