How to Protect Your Google Buzz Privacy

Posted in Critiques | 2 comments

I’ve decided to blog about this after I noticed that ALL details on Google Buzz is AUTOMATICALLY shared on my Google Profile, which is accessible to everyone on the internet.

I tried finding the settings on Gmail to find where I can change or update the BUZZ settings. Unfortunately, there weren’t any function to safeguard my privacy.

As I wrote this, I noticed Gmail just updated the Buzz, and now there’s an Edit button next to my name in the Buzz section. Can you see the Edit button below right next to my name?

Google Buzz Settings - Saveguard Your Privacy

Click on it, and if you have a Google Profile, like me, then it should take you there immediately. You should be able to see a page like this.

Google Buzz - Protecting Your Privacy

Now, can you see the tick boxes to the left of your profile photo above? Let me zoom in on that for you.

Google Buzz - Secure Your Privacy

Can you see the options above? Just unclick the last one there, “Display the list of people I’m following and people following me“. This will safeguard your privacy in terms of your friendship circle.

However, whatever you share on buzz, is still easily available on the public profile page. My public profile URL is http://www.google.com/profiles/danielfgomez. Click on that and you will see my activities using Buzz at Gmail.

Google Buzz - Defend Your Privacy

The above profile is what everyone on the web will be able to see. But, if you zoom in close to the top right of the profile, you’ll notice that your followers and who are you following is protected.

Google Buzz - Maintaining Your Privacy

See the above? That information is protected and only available to you. Please be aware that your activities is no longer personal as Google went one up further than Facebook to remove another layer of clothing that you’re almost naked.

I hope this helps.