COPYCENSE

“Google has released a revamped version of its desktop search tool which introduces the ability to search the contents of one computer from another. Previous versions of the tool indexed files on user’s PCs, but using the optional Search Across Computers facility in Google Desktop 3 temporarily stores text copies of searchable items on Google’s own servers for up to 30 days.

“Search Across Computers makes a range of files searchable from other computers. The contents of secure web pages are excluded from the list. Users would log on using their Google password can find data on files they’ve worked on regardless of which PC they used to produce them. Users can also exclude certain file types or locations from indexing.”

John Leyden. EFF Issues Google Desktop Warning. The Register. Feb. 10, 2006.

See also:

Elinor Mills. Google Desktop 3 Criticized. News.com. Feb. 10, 2006.

Electronic Frontier Foundation. Google Copies Your Hard Drive – Government Smiles in Anticipation. Feb. 9, 2006.

Tom Smith. Google Desktop: Friend Or Foe? Information Week. Feb. 9, 2006.

Declan McCullagh. FAQ: When Google Is Not Your Friend. News.com. Feb. 3, 2006.

CopyCense™: K. Matthew Dames on the intersection of business, law and technology. A business venture of Seso Digital LLC.