Watchdogs criticize new Google privacy policy.

• Position: PRIVACY

Google's new privacy policy is causing controversy in the United States and worldwide.

On March 1, 2012, Google began creating a single profile for each user by combining the data it collects about that user from its various websites and services. It also simplified and condensed its privacy policy to pacify government regulators, according to Google officials.

In a statement, Alma Whitten, a Google privacy director, wrote that the changes "will mean a simpler, more intuitive Google experience." She said the changes streamline and simplify the privacy practices it employs worldwide across about 60 different online services and provide greater clarity for users.

But privacy watchdogs, who are urging the U.S. Congress to look into the changes, are concerned that the new policy also changes the way Google can use users' information. In fact, Google's new privacy policy states that Google can use information shared on one service in other Google services, according to The New York Times.

The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) has filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) about the Google search changes on privacy and antitrust grounds. The Los Angeles Times reported that the main concern is the new Google search feature called Search plus Your World. This feature allows photos, updates, and other private information from the Google+ social network to appear in search results.

Google emphasized that its core privacy guidelines will not change. For instance, it does not sell personal information or share it externally except in the case of a valid court order, and it allows data liberation, which means Google users can move their information to other services.

French data protection officials have also objected to Google's new privacy policy and said it may violate European Union law. France's National...