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View Full Version : Exactly what are the folks at Google doing?


Baph
01-06-07, 09:32 AM
Now, I'm starting to get a little concerned about Google.

One of the exec's of Google has recently claimed that soon, Google will be able to tell you what to have for breakfast, and which tie to choose from your wardrobe.

The latest development to come out of the boffins, is face recognition!! Click here (http://images.google.co.uk/images?svnum=10&um=1&imgtype=face&hl=en&q=SV) for a modified search for "SV" images. Note: I did try SV650, but it's not safe for work, and violates the U-rating.

The secret, is adding "imgtype=face" to the URL.

Why does this concern me? Well, I did some playing around, and theres a certain ID I used for chatrooms a few years back. Search for that ID in Google images, with the face image type set, and guess what? My ugly mug appears! Internet chat rooms are frequented (reportedly) by peadophiles.

Lets say a child uploads a picture of themselves innocently to their photobucket account, which happens to have the same ID as their chat ID. All it takes is some crafty searching, and you've possibly linked a chat ID to a real facial photo!

MiniMatt
01-06-07, 09:46 AM
Hmm, with the facial recognition on the ID card database, presumably that means they can take your mug and then match it to your address (and probably your favourite colour too). Better hope them dastardly paedo's (that's paedophiles, not paediatricians (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/901723.stm)) don't start hijacking user IDs...

DarrenSV650S
01-06-07, 04:37 PM
I agree it is worrying, like a big brother is watching type thing. Apparently they can remember what you have searched for and advise similar things ect.
But google is so big and widely used, what option does the average user have?