How to remove your face from Google's upcoming Shared Endorsement ads
How to remove your face from Google’s upcoming Shared Endorsement ads
Some Google users who don’t want their faces used to pimp bagel shops (or spas, or Nexus 7, or whatever ads Google can squeeze money out of) are replacing their photos with one of Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt.
The backlash – the scope of which could be tiny, for all I know, given that news of it apparently comes solely from a retweet by Daring Fireball’s John Gruber – apparently is in reaction to Google’s announcement to grab user’s profile pictures, names, photos and product reviews as harvested from Google+ and plug them into advertisements.
Google is calling the planned advertisements Shared Endorsements.
Google announced new Terms of Service that will go live on 11 November which explain that it will use content in this way.
On top of our images, Google will also display reviews of restaurants, shops and products, as well as songs and other content reviewed or bought on the Google Play store, when our friends and connections search on Google.
Of course, the move is a no-brainer for Google.
The company’s revenues come almost entirely – reportedly 96% in 2012, and at 97% in 2011 – on ad revenue.
Google doesn’t make any bones about it. The company said in an annual report from 2012, “We generate revenue primarily by delivering relevant, cost-effective online advertising.”
The move is identical to Facebook’s Sponsored Stories boondoggle, with one exception: It’s looking to not be a boondoggle. Google is doing it right.
Namely, Google is offering users a way to opt out, and that will in all likelihood sidestep the legal swamp that Facebook fell into over Sponsored Stories.
For its part, Facebook paid out $20 million in a personal ads class action lawsuit settlement in August 2013, and another $10 million to settle a lawsuit in 2012.
Antagonising Google by swapping a profile photo for Schmidt’s may feel like fun, in-your-FACE-Google! hijinks, but the chances that Google will roll back the tasty revenue source are approximately, in rounded percentage points, “hahahahahaha!”
It’s likely that the only way to opt out is to opt out.
Here’s how to opt out of Google’s Shared Endorsements:
Sign into your Google account. If you’re in the process of setting up an account, finish that first, then come back.
Go to the Shared Endorsements setting page. If you’re not already a Google+ user, you will be asked to upgrade your account.
Toward the bottom, you’ll see a checkbox that says “Based on my activity, Google may show my name and profile photo in shared endorsements that appear in ads.”
Uncheck it and click Save to opt out of the new program.
Google will grab at your ankle to try to drag you back into advertising land, but one extra click saying “Yes, I do, in fact, want to unpeel my mug from your advertisements” won’t kill us, I suppose.
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
