Gmail is one of the leading web-based email systems with over 400 millions users world wide.However,Google has faced a wiretapping claim recently on how gmail reads and interprets users’ private messages without consent.During this lawsuit, Google defends that the purpose of auto-scanning email system is to provide better customer services  such as spam protection and priority inbox. Nevertheless, federal judges disagree with this argument. They criticize the Gmail scanning system is just the strategy which google uses to maximize its profit and advertising ;the benefit it provides has nothing to do with the service of email.  This is not the only time that Google faces a lawsuit on  privacy and ethical controversies. In September, the company has been charged  on  violating federal wiretap law when its collected emails and other personal data  through  private  wi-fi network in order to create street view program.

In my opinion, Google should not invade on customer’s privacy in order to gain profit.  As a long term effect,  people will not value Google as trustworthy company and it will definitely crush Google’s reputation and brand image. Profit is relatively important for the company, but it is not the only thing that matters.

To comment on Sophie’s post on how Chinese government  invests 2 millions on monitoring internet, I personally not surprised by Chinese government’s action.  It always has a strong censorship going on in China that controls citizen’s freedom of speech.  I think China still has a long way to go  to become a free, democratic country and dominates world’s economy like U.S.A.

SOURCES:

CBC NEWS, . “Google faces lawsuits over Gmail, Street View privacy.” CBC NEWS. N.p., 2 10 2013. Web. 6 Oct 2013. <http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/google-faces-lawsuits-over-gmail-street-view-privacy-1.1876594>.