Buzzing Buzz

Yes, Google has launched a new social media platform called Buzz:). I know, you have heard all about it. In fact, maybe you are tried of hearing about it. Well, have you heard the legal buzz about Buzz?

Let's back up a bit. Two days after the launch of Buzz, Todd Jackson, Product Manger for Gmail and Buzz wrote this in the gmail blog:

We've had plenty of feature requests, and some direct feedback. In particular there's been concern from some people who thought their contacts were being made public without their knowledge (in particular the lists of people they follow, and the people following them). In addition, others felt they had too little control over who could follow them and were upset that they lacked the ability to block people who didn't yet have public profiles from following them.  {The italics were added by me for editorial purposes}

I am sure many people were caught by surprise when their contact were made public. That would be a bit upsetting. How could this happen?

Part of Google's development process is to launch new products and then tweak the product based on user feedback. It is a crowdsourcing strategy that has generally served them well. Frankly, I like it, but not at the sacrifice of the consumer privacy.

Google now faces potential legal action. On Tuesday, the Electronic Privacy Information Center filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.  A couple days ago I listened to Clayton Morris interview Daliah Saper (Today in Social Media #88). She is an Attorney that handles cases involving social media. Listen to the interview. It is very.

So, what do you think? Careless or just an oversight?

Rick