Google Gmail is ‘PRIVACY TIMEBOMB Says Industry Expert

Googles new Gmail web-based email system could potentially track users behavior and content—and use that data to later target them with ads, said Search Engine guru Kevin Lee. But, Lee stressed, the company would never do that...

(PRWEB) April 12, 2004 --But not all timebombs go off. Today, Search Engine guru Kevin Lee assuaged and inflamed fears of Googles new Gmail web-based email system, which will feature targeted text ads based on the content of email messages. Google could keep user profiles for an email address—and send personalized ads to that user," said Lee, CEO of Search Engine Marketing firm Did-it.com. But Google will never—and would never—set off that privacy timebomb."

According to Lee, Gmails ads are an issue of disclosure and permission, not privacy. Google is not hiding anything," Lee said. They are offering a great free service." According to Google, Gmail is offered in exchange for targeted ads automatically generated from the content of email messages. Google stresses that no human reads your mail" and that the company does not store any personally identifiable information about Gmail users email content or behavior.

Theres a big difference between what a company could do," explained Lee, and what a company does do."

Many companies collect limited user information in order to provide better service, but do not misuse such information. Credit card companies keep records of all your purchases; supermarket discount cards monitor your grocery purchases; Yahoo! could theoretically keep track of every search made by a registered user," Lee said. But these companies only use that information in ways agreed upon by the consumer—just as Google will."

Many major email systems—including AOL, Microsofts Hotmail and Yahoo—already monitor email messages to automatically filter out spam emails—and display banner advertisements to cover costs. Gmail offers 1 Gigabyte of storage with advanced search features and in return users see targeted text ads.

Did-it.com has been a leader in the field of Search Engine Marketing since 1996. Unlike other firms, Did-it.coms (www.did-it.com) technique and technology deliver profits though a proprietary software platform that updates keyword bidding strategies in real time. CEO Kevin Lee has authored over 50 articles and speaks at top conferences internationally. For an interview call 212-631-0157 or e-mail eli@did-it.com.

Press Contact: Eli Feldblum
eli@did-it.com   212-631-0157