Privacy not a luxury good, Google will never sell user data, says Sundar Pichai
Pichai said that privacy was "one of the most important topics of our time."
By PTI |
Agencies
Sundar Pichai
NEW YORK: Google will never sell any personal information of its users to third parties, CEO Sundar Pichai has said, amidst growing global concern over the misuse of personal data by some social media giants.
In an opinion piece Tuesday in The New York Times, he also said that privacy cannot be a "luxury good" that is only available to people who can afford to buy premium products and services.
The 46-year-old Indian-origin CEO of Google said he believed that privacy was "one of the most important topics of our time."
People today are rightly concerned about how their information is used and shared, yet they all define privacy in their own ways, he said.
"To make privacy real, we give you clear, meaningful choices around your data. All while staying true to two unequivocal policies: that Google will never sell any personal information to third parties; and that you get to decide how your information is used," Pichai said.
Sundar Pichai at Google I/O
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Pichai said he has seen this first-hand as he talked to people in different parts of the world.
"To the families using the internet through a shared device, privacy might mean privacy from one another. To the small-business owner who wants to start accepting credit card payments, privacy means keeping customer data secure. To the teenager sharing selfies, privacy could mean the ability to delete that data in the future," Pichai said.
He noted that privacy was personal, which makes it even more vital for companies to give people clear, individual choices around how their data is used.
He said legislation will help companies like Google to work toward ensuring that privacy protections are available to more people around the world.
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"But we're not waiting for it. We have a responsibility to lead. And we'll do so in the same spirit we always have, by offering products that make privacy a reality for everyone," Pichai said.
Google Unveils Pixel 3a at 2019 I/O: Here's What You Need To Know About The New Device
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Pixel 3a was unveiled at the 2019 Google I/O event today. The Pixel 3a came with major upgrades from its predecessor. The new smartphone sports a better camera, a smarter Google Assistant and also has Digital well-being features.
Here's a sneak peak into the specifications of Google's Pixel 3a.
Pixel 3a was unveiled at the 2019 Google I/O event today. The Pixel 3a came with major upgrades from its predecessor. The new smartphone sports a better camera, a smarter Google Assistant and also ..
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To begin with, users need to connect with WiFi to setup certain features of the device. An already embedded eSIM lets users setup a connection as soon as the device is powered on.
It facilitates quick transfer of data from previous devices with the help of Quick Switch Adapter. It comes up automatically as the device is logged in and can also be done with a USB-C to USB-C cable. After this, users can proceed with the setup while the transfer takes place in the background. The device supports transfer from iOS 8 and higher, and Android Lollipop and higher.
For iOS users, the device supports transfer of calendar appointments (local/iCloud), contacts (local/iCloud), messages (iMessage/SMS), music (non-DRM) and photos/videos (local on iPhone). Users must turn iMessage off before removing the SIM card.
For Android users, it supports transfer of apps, app data (for compatible apps) contacts (local/SIM), device settings, Google accounts, music (non-DRM), photos/videos (local on device), call history and SMS.
The device sports a Setup Pixel Imprint for unlocking the device. A PIN, password or pattern is also required as backup.
Make sure that all Google services are enabled during the setup. This facilitates features like Smart Storage and location services. In-box charger is recommended for fast charging.
The Pixel Tips App is built in to give users an overview of the device. From location of apps to their organisation, it offers an overall guide for the phone.
Pixel 3a users will also get Youtube Music Premium service for three months for free. The offer is valid on devices activated by September 30, 2019, in countries where the service is available.
To begin with, users need to connect with WiFi to setup certain features of the device. An already embedded eSIM lets users setup a connection as soon as the device is powered on.It facilitates quick..
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Always on Display Pixel 3a sports an Always on Display feature. Users can see the time, date and notifications with just a glance. If a new notification comes up, it will blink for a few seconds before turning into an icon.
Display Color Modes For this device, the default colour is set to 'Adaptive' mode for natural rendition of colours preferred by most users. Those who prefer muted colours can use 'Natural' (sRGB) and the 'Boosted' (sRGB + 10%) modes. The brightness management technology is where the phone's display automatically adapts to changing lighting conditions.
Now Playing The Now Playing feature, when turned on with Always on Display, tells users the name of the song and the artist of music playing nearby. Now Playing History lets users revisit the songs they've already heard and discover new tracks. With this feature, users can also play music videos on YouTube, add it to playlist, open in Assistant, and share. The recognition can also be done offline.
At-a-Glance Once unlocked, the device displays At-a-Glance space which lets users see latest updates about the weather, calendar events and more.
Quick search This feature, present at the bottom of the home screen, lets users search anything on the phone or on the web. Notification dots are present to alert users if a new message or email comes. Dual stereo speakers facilitate full sound experience tuned by a Grammy award-winning company and music producer.
Always on DisplayPixel 3a sports an Always on Display feature. Users can see the time, date and notifications with just a glance. If a new notification comes up, it will blink for a few seconds befor..
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The mode switcher Pixel 3a sports a new mode switcher which makes it easier and faster to switch camera modes while shooting. Another noteworthy feature is the double wrist-twisting to switch to front face camera. Portrait mode and Super Res Zoom are also the camera setup highlights.
Time Lapse This feature records a video by capturing 6 frames per second to one frame in 4 seconds. This way, it creates the effect of a sped-up video at 30 frames per second.
Night Sight This feature facilitates low-light camera shooting. It uses software instead of flash and tripods to capture vibrant, detailed low-light photos.
Photobooth Mode This feature now comes with the ability to capture a kiss. The feature recognises smiles, kisses, funny faces along with the lighting and motion. It offers a hands-free photo experience.
Top Shot This feature captures additional moments while users conduct a shoot. It uses machine learning to recommend the best shot from the moment it was captured. It also has the ability to detect blur, gaze and focus to recommend good shots.
Playground This feature lets users insert Playmojis in pictures and videos. Some of the latest Playmojis include a Childish Gambino.
Fused Video Stabilization This feature allows users to shoot videos like a pro. It works only with the rear camera. However, the 'digital video stabilization' is now enabled for the front camera.
Motion Auto Focus This feature allows users to stay focused on the main subject in the frame. Users just need to tap on the object that needs to be in focus; a white circle appears around it and stays locked on it.
Super Res Zoom This feature ensures that every detail in zoomed in pictures remains sharp and clear. It uses hand movements to add resolution to zoomed shots. The new Pixel device also lets users save RAW files along with JPEGs.
Flip camera With a double twist, users can switch to the front-facing or rear-facing camera.
Gesture Navigation The new feature is introduced on Android 9 Pie and makes navigation around the device and between the apps easier.
The mode switcherPixel 3a sports a new mode switcher which makes it easier and faster to switch camera modes while shooting. Another noteworthy feature is the double wrist-twisting to switch to front..
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Packed with new functionality, the Pixel 3a features a tighter integration with Google Lens. With this, users can search for similar clothing, home décor, identify landmarks and animals with the help of the camera. This one requires an internet connected.
Packed with new functionality, the Pixel 3a features a tighter integration with Google Lens. With this, users can search for similar clothing, home décor, identify landmarks and animals with the help..
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An early version of Augmented Reality in Google Maps, to ease navigation, in now coming to pixel devices.
Active Edge This feature allows users to get help from the Google Assistant in an easier way. Users can just squeeze the sides of their phone to get the Assistant started. This works even if the device has a cover on it.
Call Screen Pixel users now have an option to screen calls from unknown numbers. From this, the caller receives an automated message from the Assistant seeking more information. Users can watch the discussion in real time text and can hang up or take the call.
An early version of Augmented Reality in Google Maps, to ease navigation, in now coming to pixel devices.Active EdgeThis feature allows users to get help from the Google Assistant in an easier way. U..
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Pixel 3a users will get access to Unlimited Storage at High Quality. The Smart Storage option automatically clears older, backed up pictures and videos when the device memory is full. Users can also free up space manually or ask the Assistant to free up storage.
Pixel 3a users will get access to Unlimited Storage at High Quality. The Smart Storage option automatically clears older, backed up pictures and videos when the device memory is full. Users can also ..
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Pixel 3a sports duo integration in phone dialer which lets users start a video call from the dialer. It also lets users upgrade an ongoing audio call to a video call. Android Messages app comes pre-installed as the default texting app.
Users can opt for Smart Reply option to respond to messages with a tap. Dark mode makes reading messages an easier task at night.
Real Time Text The RTT feature allows deaf and hard of hearing users to communicate, in real time, over a phone call.
Pixel 3a sports duo integration in phone dialer which lets users start a video call from the dialer. It also lets users upgrade an ongoing audio call to a video call. Android Messages app comes pre-i..
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The device comes with Adaptive Battery setup. This feature uses Machine Learning to determine which apps are used less and limits their battery usage. The Battery Saver extends battery life when needed.
The Fast, Wired Charge feature allows 7 hours of run time in 15 minutes of charging. Users must note that an active display or data usage will drain battery life.
The device comes with Adaptive Battery setup. This feature uses Machine Learning to determine which apps are used less and limits their battery usage. The Battery Saver extends battery life when need..
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Digital Wellbeing The Pixel 3a comes with the 'Digital Wellbeing' feature which shows users how much time they spent on their phone, how many times they unlocked the phone and how many notifications they received. It also offers an insight of trends overtime.
App Timer Users can setup app timers to limit the amount of time they spend on every app. When the time is up, a notification will pop up, the app icon will turn gray and won't be useable until the app timer settings are changed.
New Do Not Disturb This feature will not just silence the notifications, it will also not show visual notifications. As soon as this one is turned on, all notifications will disappear.
Winds Down This feature reminds users to switch off at night. It sets a schedule to fade the screen to Grayscale and DND mode silences notifications. Users can also ask the Assistant to turn on the feature.
Flip to Shhh The 'Shhh' setting on Pixel 3a enables the DND mode. All you need to do is flip your phone facedown. Sounds and vibrations will come back on once the device is flipped face up again.
Digital WellbeingThe Pixel 3a comes with the 'Digital Wellbeing' feature which shows users how much time they spent on their phone, how many times they unlocked the phone and how many notifications t..
Ideally, privacy legislation would require all businesses to accept responsibility for the impact of their data processing in a way that creates consistent and universal protections for individuals and society as a whole, he said.
He said Google has worked hard to continually earn people's trust by providing accurate answers and keeping their questions private.
"We've stayed focused on the products and features that make privacy a reality — for everyone," he said in the opinion piece.
"For everyone" is a core philosophy for Google; it's built into our mission to create products that are universally accessible and useful. That's why Search works the same for everyone, whether you're a professor at Harvard or a student in rural Indonesia," he said.
"Our mission compels us to take the same approach to privacy. For us, that means privacy cannot be a luxury good offered only to people who can afford to buy premium products and services. Privacy must be equally available to everyone in the world," Pichai underlined.
He noted that even in cases where Google offered a paid product like YouTube Premium, which includes an ads-free experience, the regular version of YouTube has plenty of privacy controls built in.
Pichai recalled that last week, Google announced significant new privacy features, including one-click access to privacy settings from all its major products and auto-delete controls that allows one to choose how long the person want data to be saved.
"And to protect your data from security threats, we just introduced a security key built into Android phones that can provide two-factor authentication," he said.
In the future, Aritificial Intelligence (AI) will provide even more ways to make products more helpful with less data.
With increased spending on digital advertising, Google and Facebook have become forces to reckon with as millions of users, especially from emerging markets like India, go online.
But multiple instances of data breaches and user information leaks have brought increased scrutiny on many platforms from regulators and governments across the globe.
These companies are now walking a tightrope as they attempt to balance user privacy with increased accountability as governments seek greater disclosures and controls over digital platforms.
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