Privacy Group Wants To Take Your Gmail Away

EPIC has asked the Federal Trade Commission to investigate the privacy and security measures of Gmail, Google Docs and Google’s other “cloud computing” services for consumers.

The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC)'s complaint highlights Google’s recent security breach with Google Docs. EPIC cites this as one example of the dangers of putting consumers’ data in the cloud. EPIC's complaint implores the FTC not only to investigate Google’s safety measures for cloud products, but also asks to hold Google accountable for any and all security breaches with their cloud-based applications. EPIC is demanding the FTC prevent Google from offering any cloud computing services, including Gmail, until it installs heavier security safeguards. This could mean get ready to say goodbye to your Gmail. Cloud computing is not a new technology. Google Docs was not the first security breach, however, consumer services in the cloud like Gmail, Google Docs and others are beginning to take off, privacy groups are suddenly waking up to the risks involved. Google has not reviewed the complaint in detail but has policies in place to ensure data is protected. "Cloud computing can be more secure than storing information on your own hard drive," Google said in a statement. "We are highly aware of how important our users' data is to them and take our responsibility very seriously."