Google Uses Searches to Track Flu?s Spread

[deafnva77]

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By MIGUEL HELFT
Published: November 11, 2008

SAN FRANCISCO ? What if Google knew before anyone else that a fast-spreading flu outbreak was putting you at heightened risk of getting sick? And what if it could alert you, your doctor and your local public health officials before the muscle aches and chills kicked in?

That, in essence, is the promise of Google Flu Trends, a new Web tool that Google.org, the company?s philanthropic unit, unveiled on Tuesday, just as flu season was getting under way in the United States. ... http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/12/techn ... ref=slogin

[John81]

Google is setting some dangerous precedents.

Isn't one of Googls executives on Obama's transition team? Hasn't Obama stated he's going to create some technology counselor or whatever he called it?

[deafnva77]

At least they are open aobut it, although I could be wrong

[Anon]

Its cool in this case, but won't be cool if they start trying to track groups of "rebels" or something like that.

[Guest Guest]

I don't know? Although, I have the flu today. :gross:

[John81]

Google is tracking all sorts of things. This is one of those "good" sounding things which they use to try and cover for the rest. Kind of like when some liberal proposes something "for the sake of the children"...watch out!