Google announces privacy changes across products; users can’t opt out

View Photo Gallery —  Google announced a new privacy policy and terms of service on Jan. 24. Here’s a look at some of the Google products that will be affected by the policy change.

By Cecilia Kang, Published: January 24
Google will soon know far more about who you are and what you do on the Web. The Web giant announced Tuesday that it plans to follow the activities of users acrossnearly all of its ubiquitous sites, including YouTube, Gmail and its leading search engine.

Google has already been collecting some of this information. But for the first time, it is combining data across its Web sites to stitch together a fuller portrait of users.

Consumers won’t be able to opt out of the changes, which take effect March 1. And experts say the policy shift will invite greater scrutiny from federal regulators of the company’s privacy and competitive practices.

more:  http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/the-2012-consumer-electronics-show-day-2/2012/01/11/gIQAfg35sP_gallery.html#photo=1