Google suggests its new privacy policy helps users by simplifying the user experience, but if you read it — few people do — you will notice that there are eight or so embedded links that lead to more contractual terms and definitions included in the privacy policy. As a result, you have to read all of the ancillary links, not just the privacy policy alone. So, while it is “simplified,” it could be misleading as well.
Even before Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) launched its new privacy policy earlier this month, consolidating separate privacy policies for more than 60 applications, legal issues had surfaced.
Now, attorneys general from more than 31 States have accused Google of violating privacy laws because of complaints from users that they were finding ads are popping up on YouTube just after they did a search on Google Maps about the same subject.