My Internet friend of years, Bobbette Madonna (aka Lady Madonna) reminds us today that the omnipotent Google has perhaps violated the boundaries of personal privacy. Read on:
Google has implemented a feature where in you can type someone's telephone number into the search bar and hit enter and then you will be given a map to their house. Everyone should be aware of this! Note that you can have your phone number removed or blocked. I tested it by typing my telephone number in google.com. My phone number came up, and when I clicked on the MapQuest link, it actually mapped out where I live. Quite scary! Please look up your own number. Read below for details. Think about it -- if a child, ANYONE, gives out his/her phone number, someone can actually now look it up to find out where he/she lives. Telemarketers use this feature - do they pay google? The safety issues are obvious and alarming.
In order to test whether your number is mapped, go to: http://www.google.com/ Type in your phone number in the search bar (i.e.555-555-1212) and hit enter. If you want to BLOCK google from divulging your private information, simply click on your phone number. It takes 48 hours. If you are unlisted in the phone book, you might be in there, but it is a good idea just to check. If your number does come up, when you hit the map link, it will show you a direct map to your house. Please forward on to friends and family.
Thanks for the heads up. Perhaps one fine day, Google will partner with the Government's Carnivore program and your Social Security number would reveal every intimate detail about your life.
Wow, isn't progress wonderful?
Keep your head down.
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