Starting March 1, Google began operating under a new, unified privacy policy, and under that policy, Google has begun combining what it knows about users' activities. Until now, that data was not shared among Google properties, but now anything you do with Google while signed into an account is visible across all of Google's services. While providing Google with better ad selling leverage, the search engine giant also claims users will receive the benefit of more personalized results. The company has also reassured users that all data will remain with Google and the information will not be sold or given to any third party.

Regulators on both sides of the Atlantic have expressed major concerns. For instance, European Commissioner for Justice, Viviane Reding, reportedly claims the changes are illegal under European law. In the U.S., the policy changes have been attracting negative attention from officials also. Attorneys General from three dozen states wrote to Google CEO Larry Page, to tell him they are very worried about the effects of the company's new policy. The suggested resolution is to allow users to be able to opt in and opt out of the system at will.

This piece was adapted from an original article on TechNewsWorld.com