Google backpedaling on Privacy committments... no surprise...

I had meant to comment earlier on the FT's front page story last week on: "Google resolve crumbles on 'cookies' pledge."

The intro sentence says it all:

• "Google has failed to make any headway in dealing with one of the most controversial issues of online privacy, despite promising a year ago that it would take the lead in tackling the problem."

I can't say I am surprised -- as the old adage goes, a leopard doesn't change its spots.

• We now know more about two things concerning Google:
  • That Privacy International, a leading privacy watchdog in the world, was very much on the mark in ranking Google worst in the world on Privacy in its privacy rankings and also describing Google as having an "entrenched hostility to privacy."
  • Google's public committments/word (albeit non-binding) during a governmental proceeding aren't worth much.
    • Google is unwisely backtracking on something very important to users and government officials.
    • They thumb their noses at everyone else's privacy at their own peril...