Google: Oh That? Nevermind.

In response the huge negative response generated by the original section 11 of the Google Chrome EULA, Google has quickly revised the document. Section 11 now simply reads:

11. Content license from you

11.1 You retain copyright and any other rights you already hold in Content which you submit, post or display on or through, the Services.

I am a cynic, so Google's explanation that the clause was standard to all of the EULA's and was accidentally included strikes me as suspect at best. Regardless, this, at least formally, relieves some of the privacy concerns regarding use of the browser. Unfortunately, this situation has moved them down the scale, a little closer to Microsoft, on the "Companies I trust" continuum.

Stating the Obvious...

No real revelation here, but wanted to say it somewhere. Watching some of the Republican Convention has me annoyed. I hope Palin does such a good job that the obvious political pandering behind her nomination fades and disappears.

I don't want to see any more convention coverage of people who are behind her solely because she is a woman.

Voting for Palin (and McCain) because she is a woman is no different than not voting for Obama because he is a black man.

Reminder for Sergey Brin and Larry Page

Looks like all it takes is a few billion dollars for Google founders to forget their purported corporate mantra: DON'T BE EVIL.

I'm glad to see others have started voicing concern over Google's End User License Agreement for their new Chrome Web browser. Just got a note of caution from a developer I work with too.

Please note (Taken directly from the Chrome EULA):

11.1 You retain copyright and any other rights you already hold in Content which you submit, post or display on or through, the Services. By submitting, posting or displaying the content you give Google a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free, and non-exclusive license to reproduce, adapt, modify, translate, publish, publicly perform, publicly display and distribute any Content which you submit, post or display on or through, the Services. This license is for the sole purpose of enabling Google to display, distribute and promote the Services and may be revoked for certain Services as defined in the Additional Terms of those Services.

11.2 You agree that this license includes a right for Google to make such Content available to other companies, organizations or individuals with whom Google has relationships for the provision of syndicated services, and to use such Content in connection with the provision of those services.

11.3 You understand that Google, in performing the required technical steps to provide the Services to our users, may (a) transmit or distribute your Content over various public networks and in various media; and (b) make such changes to your Content as are necessary to conform and adapt that Content to the technical requirements of connecting networks, devices, services or media. You agree that this license shall permit Google to take these actions.

11.4 You confirm and warrant to Google that you have all the rights, power and authority necessary to grant the above license.

Google is reserving " ...a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide," right to collect, share, profile, and monetize your browsing history. They are watching YOU.

Would you buy a telephone that reserved the right to record and profit from your dialing history and conversations?

And, yeah, now I have the creeps because I'm using Blogger to compose and publish this post.