A warning for Google Gmail users

[SuperSparks]

Gmail accounts 'wide open to exploits'

[usil]

This has been fixed, by the way, the same day it was discovered. MS have a thing or two to learn.
http://www.infoworld.com/article/04/...HNgmail_1.html

[^dAvEy^]

I have a gmail account, but the enabled activex requirements for access got me wondering and doing a bit of "googling" about privacy issues and I came up with some discouraging (to say the least) results. As I understand, it would seems gmail takes privacy issues to a spookier new level.

Come on, gang - I'd sure appreciate insights/feedback from some of you on the following articles and related matters, please:

"Presumably you have a Gmail account, and do not object to Google's policies"

"31 Privacy and Civil Liberties Organizations Urge Google to Suspend Gmail"

TIA

[^dAvEy^]

In light of the current popularity of GMail and the demand for account invites, I'm VERY curious as to why there's been no responses this far to my request for feedback regarding GMail privacy and security. Is this an uncomfortable thing to consider and comment on, perhaps, that GMail might not be the gem that so many of us had hoped?
Is it that this forum just doesn't get the traffic volume as some others in VDr so as to illicit attention and response?
I'd sure appreciate feedback, folks!
TIA

[usil]

I think no one is answering because no one cares enough to answer. Are Gmail reading my emails? Maybe. Probably not. Do I care? No, cause I don't use it for anything really important. Bottom line is, if you have any doubts, just don't use it. I for one though, would not go trusting anyone just cause they right a few things on a webiste. Those links you posted (at least the first one) are full of heresay.

[^dAvEy^]

Thanks for your reply, usil.
I Can't yet wrap my mind around how people wouldn't care about Security and Privacy. I am and I have not used my GMail account at all since learning some potential reasons that gave me concern for Google's GMail requiring activex for access and offering 1Gig account space while encouraging users to never delete their messages. The list goes on.

I found the facts and speculations outlined in the articles I linked to above were credible and fair. I'm interested as to what you found to be otherwise as hearsay.

I'm not a conspiracy theorist by nature, but what I've been finding out about GMail has motivated me to stop using it, to share some relevant information and my concerns, as well as to ask for feedback from VDr members. Although I was expecting more of a response, I now have done what I'd intended.

It seams we disagree (with mutual respect) as to whether there is much to likely be concerned about regarding GMail and the new technology being developed and utilized, usil. I guess time will tell.

[usil]

Here is what I consider heresay:

Google admits that even deleted messages will remain on their system, and may also be accessible internally at Google, for an indefinite period of time.

Where is the proof?

Google changed their main privacy policy that same day because the previous version sidestepped important issues and might have been illegal.

Might not.

Moreover, they may keep this information indefinitely, and give this information to whomever they wish.

To be honest, I haven't read their users policy, relying on what I have read on a lot of tech sites regarding Gmail. But I have my doubts that they will "give this information to whomever they wish".

Other countries may even lack this basic protection, and Google's databases are distributed all over the world.

Is that true?

If Google builds a database of keywords associated with email addresses, the potential for abuse is staggering. Google could grow a database that spits out the email addresses of those who used those keywords. How about words such as "box cutters" in the same email as "airline schedules"? Can you think of anyone who might be interested in obtaining a list of email addresses for that particular combination? Or how about "mp3" with "download"? Since the RIAA has sent subpoenas to Internet service providers and universities in an effort to identify copyright abusers, why should we expect Gmail to be off-limits?

That is a scare tactic. The website makes good use of that. And if you think that some US security agency or other is not tracking all kinds of emails, then... I won't get into the conspiracy theories.

[^dAvEy^]

I'm not sure what would motivate privacy and human rights advocates to be using scare tactics - they are not politicians.
Privacy holes in, and info gathering from email accounts is not new and is not news to anyone. However, I agree with those who consider that extra attention and concern is valid regarding the new level of privacy issues that come up regarding GMail and the new technology being developed and used.