How Will Googles Policy Changes Affect Me? What Do Changes In Their Privacy Policy Mean? Users Could Find Themselves Pitching For Products And Services Online

The new Google policy changes that go into effect today mean that there could come a day when you encounter your name and likeness pitching a product on the internet - without your specific okay.

The new setting, called “Shared Endorsements,” would show Google+ users’ product preferences alongside ads within their social network.

The announcement has riled Google users, some of whom have changed their Google+ profile pictures to one of Google executive chairman Eric Schmidt, according to a report from CNET. That way, Schmidt’s face would show up alongside any endorsements pulled from those users’ accounts.

Of course the company has themselves covered with the usual verbiage that you agree to when you sign up for an account.  They've also been careful to send out notifications that they were changing their policies.

So what can you do if you don't want your name and likeness used in this manner?  Easy.  Just go to settings and uncheck the option that allows Google to show your name and profile pictures in shared endorsements.

Google’s planned changes to privacy policy rile some users, prompt senator’s letter - The Washington Post.