Users Can't Opt Out of Google's New Privacy Policy

For those still reeling from Facebook’s Timeline invasion and the SOPA/PIPA debate, Google’s new privacy change is the cherry on top of this month’s "free Internet" pie.

The media giant announced Tuesday that it will combine more than 70 current policies to make a blanket privacy canon–one that will allow Google to access and utilize a user’s information across several of the company’s platforms like Gmail, Google+, and YouTube, according to Bloomberg.

Google users will not have the option of opting out of the new policy.

Google’s Alma Whitten, director of privacy, product, and engineering blogged to clarify what the changes, effective March 1, would entail:

What does this mean in practice? The main change is for users with Google Accounts. Our new Privacy Policy makes clear that, if you’re signed in, we may combine information you've provided from one service with information from other services. In short, we’ll treat you as a single user across all our products, which will mean a simpler, more intuitive Google experience.

BBC News points out that search engines and social media companies like Facebook and Twitter are competing with Google in a battle over user data. This information is particularly helpful for advertising companies trying to target eyeballs based on consumer Web habits and searches.

The move isn't sitting well with users and technology analysts who fear the loss of anonymity and free speech. "Does this simplicity come at the expense of strong boundaries between Google products? Will details that users thought might be private on one be revealed in unexpected ways on another?" Peter Bradwell, a campaigner for The Open Rights Group, said in an interview with the British broadcaster.