Category: Policy

Google has proven willing to use its lawyesr when needed, in this case involving Perfect Ten, I am happy with the result. Not because I’m all about thumbnails of nudes, though I find nothing wrong with ’em, but because anything that strengthens fair use is a good thing, I think.

Ouch.

Facebook has released the details of its new approach to user control:

Under the changes outlined late Thursday, Facebook’s 55 million users will be given greater control over whether they want to participate in a three-week-old program that circulates potentially sensitive information about their online purchases and other activities.

Facebook provided two different opportunities to block the details from being shared, but many users said they never saw the “opt-out” notices before they disappeared from the screen.

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Via Salon, Bizweek reports:

In the wake of mounting criticism, Facebook executives are discussing changes to a controversial advertising tool that publicizes users’ Web activities outside of the popular social network. Alterations to the recently introduced Beacon system could be announced as early as Nov. 29, BusinessWeek.com has learned.

Google has changed its language with regard to paid links.

An example of what I’ve been on about (via TC) for years – Google hands over information in a case in Israel, the company insists it did so only after full legal process, which I am sure is true, the point however is that your tracks in this digital sand are most certainly discoverable.

Just wondering, given this news. From a Weisel report:

Voracious power needs: Given the rapid expansion of Google’s user base and the increasing volumes of search activities, Google’s power needs are large. The company has strategically positioned many of its data center to be closer to the power that is required to run its business, but if usage spikes, costs can increase and the RE<C initiative would be one way to increase the consistency of attractive pricing for its power needs. While the company does not disclose its power expenditures, we estimate all of Google’s power needs reside it in its cost of goods line and that power is responsible for 20-30% of COGS (ex depreciation). This would suggest that Google could potentially spend $500-700mn annually in 2008 on power alone, resulting in three to four points of margin. As such, the cost savings associated with affordable renewable energy and a steady source of reliable power could ultimately put the company at a competitive advantage.



Er…but will the learnings be shared? Is this a new business Google intends to own, or an initiative it intends to spearhead? I’ll ask…

How do you all feel about Facebook’s new platform? Are you using it? Move On isn’t so pleased.