Google fucks its users again

Google Inc has removed an experimental privacy feature from its Android mobile software that had allowed users to block apps from collecting personal information such as address book data and a user’s location.

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A company spokesman said the feature had been included by accident in Android 4.3, the version released last summer.

So a feature to help users keep their info private was included by accident. Makes sense considering it comes from a company that makes its money on knowing every little thing about what you do.

“We are suspicious of this explanation, and do not think that it in any way justifies removing the feature rather than improving it,” said Peter Eckersley, technology projects director at the Electronic Frontier Foundation. The digital rights website first publicized the change in a blog post on Friday.

Android users who wish to retain the privacy controls by not upgrading to Android 4.4.2 could be vulnerable to security risks, Eckersley said. “For the time being, users will need to chose between either privacy or security on the Android devices, but not both.”

So, what’s it gonna be Android users? Fucked by Google or fucked by hackers?