Google to share data on “flu” searches with feds
posted at 3:23 pm on November 12, 2008 by Allahpundit
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In which I destroy my libertarian cred forever by asking why this should be a big deal. First, they’re not sharing individual users’ IP info, just the aggregate data to help the government track outbreaks epidemiologically — which their privacy policy already allows them to do. Second, it’s not for the feds’ eyes only, apparently; curiosity seekers can track the info themselves on the Google Flu map. Third, if they do break their promise and share personal info, word is bound to get out and send users scurrying for Yahoo, a fact that Google explicitly recognizes on its blog. Fourth, as Althouse reminds us, the stakes in stopping an outbreak early are, potentially, rather high. So what’s the argument, aside from the standard “slippery slope” that can be applied to anything?
Incidentally, haven’t they been doing this for years already with Google Trends? Every six months or so, some new data from Google about the vast appetite for porn in the Middle East will make the rounds, prompting a day’s worth of snickers in the blogosphere. This is the same thing, it seems, except with health benefits. Exit question: How is it significantly different from, say, the Nielsen ratings?
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OH MY GOD! THEY’RE TAKING OVER THE WORLD!
/sarc (somebody had to do it)
CP on November 12, 2008 at 3:27 PM
Google + Obama = Creepy
marklmail on November 12, 2008 at 3:28 PM
Only if this includes camels. Now, that would make me snicker.
I’m getting a cold. Does this count?
HornetSting on November 12, 2008 at 3:28 PM
All we have to do to screw this up is everyday do a search on “flu”.
roux on November 12, 2008 at 3:28 PM
Good point – its not.
bluejacket on November 12, 2008 at 3:29 PM
What could possibly go wrong? The Feds never abuse power
which is why I can’t understand “conservatives” supporting warrantless wiretaps of US citizens
lodge on November 12, 2008 at 3:29 PM
Agreed. There are enough things to be paranoid about without worrying about a pretty innocuous public health measure.
Realist on November 12, 2008 at 3:29 PM
Clearly a biased tracer of the underlying cause, but, nun the less useful. I wonder if the bias is linear?
Count to 10 on November 12, 2008 at 3:29 PM
google == Obama ==>> creepy creatures.
Switch to Yahoo!
tarpon on November 12, 2008 at 3:29 PM
“Bird Flu and visit to Indonesia”. I think this would make them foam at the mouth.
HornetSting on November 12, 2008 at 3:30 PM
You know, this could actually be fun! Are they only going to track flu? How about some more “embarrassing” medical ailments?
HornetSting on November 12, 2008 at 3:31 PM
Sure, it always starts as a little innocuous thing, nothing to worry about, it will never go further than this.
Next thing you know, the “Obarfa Magical Do Everything National Health Care Syndicate” has determined you got the flu because of eating too much obesity-causing pizza…and it’s time to ‘volunteer’ for the state fatty reduction camp.
Bishop on November 12, 2008 at 3:31 PM
Not sure what the big deal is about the flu. I haven’t had it in 20 years or more and I’ve never had a flu shot.
DerKrieger on November 12, 2008 at 3:33 PM
When did we tap citizens?
Spirit of 1776 on November 12, 2008 at 3:36 PM
Maybe because it killed tens of millions of people in the 20th Century…more than died in WWI.
CP on November 12, 2008 at 3:36 PM
How long till conservatism is listed as a “sickness” ?
William Amos on November 12, 2008 at 3:37 PM
I don’t like this one bit. First off, just because a person enters “flu” into a search engine doesn’t mean that town has a flu epidemic. Second, Google is run by liberals, as will be the federal government in two months. That makes things ripe for funny business.
SoulGlo on November 12, 2008 at 3:37 PM
What we need to chart is these “diseases” that haven’t been a problem for YEARS. Until now.
Tuburculosis, Measles, etc….
Why are we seeing them now? /S
HornetSting on November 12, 2008 at 3:37 PM
well things will be different when they are asked to share by “fellow travelling salesfolk”.
sven10077 on November 12, 2008 at 3:38 PM
The gubmint is not forcing Google to do this, is it? If Google is voluntarily sharing information that it has a rightful claim to (which it does) then there can be no ‘libertarian’ opposition.
Yay Google.
LimeyGeek on November 12, 2008 at 3:38 PM
Yeah, before modern medicine, in third world nations, in countries with socialized healthcare….uh, nevermind. Time to worry.
HornetSting on November 12, 2008 at 3:38 PM
Citizens that are calling known al-Queda operatives? If you aren’t doing crap like that, then you really have nothing to worry about.
Tap me all they want, I’m calling my mom to see if I can pick up something for her from the store.
kirkill on November 12, 2008 at 3:38 PM
So if there is an abundance of “sphincter pain” searches on google, does that mean everyone feels like they’re getting screwed?
DJ from MA on November 12, 2008 at 3:39 PM
Not sure what to say. Am cautious of this. What is next? What have they been doing on Google? I don’t know. I just work that way.
sheebe on November 12, 2008 at 3:40 PM
Better not be yellowcake ;)
LimeyGeek on November 12, 2008 at 3:41 PM
Funny.
HornetSting on November 12, 2008 at 3:42 PM
LOL
LimeyGeek on November 12, 2008 at 3:42 PM
Granted. I was just sayin’…of course, the worry is that a strain will come along that has mutated or whatever that will be more transferable and immune to current prevention measures and thus pose a real and immediate threat. So, may be unlikely, but it’s not for nothin’.
CP on November 12, 2008 at 3:43 PM
I agree with AP. Who cares. It’s aggregate data, just a little more current than what’s already on google trends.
lorien1973 on November 12, 2008 at 3:44 PM
Like a cluster of outbreaks of say, “Capgrass Syndrome”?
This syndrome involves the delusion that a significant other, such as a parent, spouse or other relative, is being impersonated by an imposter. Sufferers sometimes attack the supposed double.
Somehow sounds like something that may actually make the rounds after January 20th.
tru2tx on November 12, 2008 at 3:44 PM
This all smacks of the same ignorant hysteria that followed the Google World street-level 360-degree images – “Big Brother is watching!”
This may actually be useful stuff that helps save lives.
LimeyGeek on November 12, 2008 at 3:44 PM
I know you don’t like the Slippery Slope idea but as an analogy, are you opposed to taxes on people making more than $250,000. People would complain if the threshold became lower so no one would ever do that right?
dengar007 on November 12, 2008 at 3:44 PM
Wouldn’t they be better off just asking the drug manufacturers where they’re selling the most products? People could be searching Google because their local paper just did a story on flu shots.
Ronnie on November 12, 2008 at 3:45 PM
google isn’t just run by liberals, but very liberal types. as are many IT companies, who are getting money and donating heavily to Democrats.
the irony is many of them are Dems over online privacy and the Govt. intervention with internet.
i think the paultard participated in some forumn google put together
jp on November 12, 2008 at 3:45 PM
You already did that when you supported the Wall Street bailout, Hugo. :)
Enrique on November 12, 2008 at 3:45 PM
Don’t worry, all that ‘evolution’ stuff is just a theory
LimeyGeek on November 12, 2008 at 3:46 PM
Well, when you put it that way, Allah, I see your point.
Very creepy if they start sharing IP address though.
Esthier on November 12, 2008 at 3:46 PM
Yeah right. Gordon Brown, the UK PM, invoked anti-terror laws against Icelandic citizens to freeze their assets because he was pissed about Icelandic banks failing and UK public money being lost.
But continue trusting the government. It’s not like our beloved Treasury Secretary has just robbed us of 700billion and done whatever the f*ck he wants with it, or anything
lodge on November 12, 2008 at 3:46 PM
Has anyone received their Google RFID tag in the mail? Mine just came in, it’s great, just peeled off and stuck to the back of my neck.
neal7 on November 12, 2008 at 3:47 PM
Sick burn!
lorien1973 on November 12, 2008 at 3:48 PM
Wwll, let me know when they start reporting “used firearms” searches to the govenrment. That’s when I’ll worry…
redshirt on November 12, 2008 at 3:48 PM
Why? It’s not like they’re looking at the personal information of the person searching for flu information. Take a look at that map Allah linked. It shows which areas of the country are seeing a spike in searches. That’s hardly an invasion of privacy.
Again, how is this different than the Nielsen ratings? They break down the watching habits of regions of the country, too.
I’m sure that they take that into account, too. But it doesn’t hurt to have additional data.
amerpundit on November 12, 2008 at 3:48 PM
Kind of like Bird? Makes me look at my cockatiel in a completely different light. She is a weapon of mass destruction and she’s gunning for me, I just know it.
HornetSting on November 12, 2008 at 3:49 PM
I’m never using google to find “how to commit the perfect murder” ever. Not that I ever did in the first place. I’m just sayin’. Never again.
lorien1973 on November 12, 2008 at 3:50 PM
If anyone above the age of say, 10, has to do a search on google on the flu then this country has bigger problems.
grdred944 on November 12, 2008 at 3:50 PM
Let’s all do lots of Google searches on flu, flu symptoms and remedies.
electric-rascal on November 12, 2008 at 3:51 PM
Ehh… I’m fine with it- as long as it is aggregate data and no user specific data.
Sackett on November 12, 2008 at 3:52 PM
It’s not this particular issue that I have problems with. The problem is that I don’t trust Google — look at how they’ve acquiesced to the People’s Republic of China. What if the next search data they share with Dear Leader is about people searching for info on getting more horse power from their car, at the cost of lower gas mileage & increased pollution (not every place has emissions testing). You aren’t being green enough! We’ll just have the cops pull you over & give you a nice big fine.
Is this illegal — no. Google is free to do this as a private company. I am free to not use Google.
rbj on November 12, 2008 at 3:52 PM
redshirt on November 12, 2008 at 3:48 PM
Surely that’s a foregone conclusion, red.
Right after checking concealed carry lists and NRA members.
tru2tx on November 12, 2008 at 3:53 PM
Yeah, but, it wont just be health. It will be religion or other ideological persuasions soon. I have feared this for a long time. Also, why do they need to data mine when they have Facebook. IT’S. RIGHT. THERE.
But, serious question:
Can someone tell me if there is a way to TOTALLY hide online? Like, I want NO footprint whatsoever…and for a LONG time. I know that it’s probably not worth it to do it now…we’ve stepped in it…but, I’d like to try. Any network of total anonymity I can use? And program?
Calling all tech geeks…
Mommypundit on November 12, 2008 at 3:57 PM
I have a hard time getting worked up about this. As Big A mentioned, Google is really just highlighting something – for the public benefit, I might add – that they already collect through their Google Trends feature.
flipflop on November 12, 2008 at 3:58 PM
It’s the slippery slope argument. Just bow down now. It’s easier.
tuffy on November 12, 2008 at 4:00 PM
They are collecting data on people. It’s creepy. I don’t trust their intentions. Like William Amos posted, how long til turning in suspected conservatives to the government is considered the ‘common good’? Maybe never, maybe tomorrow, who knows?
I stopped using google and gmail when I learned they were parsing my emails to focus the advertising I saw on their page.
tyrfing on November 12, 2008 at 4:02 PM
Buy an IronKey…..that’s all I’m sayin’
LimeyGeek on November 12, 2008 at 4:02 PM
And now that we are going to be RULED by Obama, why am I supposed to feel all warm and comfy about this news?
Helloyawl on November 12, 2008 at 4:10 PM
I hate how AP is always rational about stuff. This site needs someone who will stir us up and make us go crazy!
frankj on November 12, 2008 at 4:12 PM
A what?
Esthier on November 12, 2008 at 4:13 PM
I’ll tell you what, I am a writer and I wrote a book about a plane crash. I researched plane crashes and causes, along with types of planes so that I could be completely realistic in my writing.
Each time I typed in plane crashes or types of planes, I feared that I would have the FBI or some other agency at my door to ask WHY I was researching planes. I would have no problem answering questions, but it was still a little scary. I dodged the G-men…BTW.
HornetSting on November 12, 2008 at 4:14 PM
In which I destroy my libertarian cred forever by asking why this should be a big deal
I’m with you.
They don’t call ‘em LIBERTARDS for nothing.
Check out the raging ninny Orin Kerr over at the
BollocksVolokh blog on this.7 million people might die. Orin’s concerns? That Google might correlate his searches.
What a waste of flesh.
pabarge on November 12, 2008 at 4:15 PM
>> They are collecting data on people. It’s creepy.
The get off the web. All sites collect data on visitors.
your_worst_enemy on November 12, 2008 at 4:20 PM
Drudge Headline, Nov. 2012:
[siren graphic, big red font]
“Virulent Red State flu outbreak. Voters quarantined until after election.”
innominatus on November 12, 2008 at 4:20 PM
Just remember, income taxes, food stamps and seat belt laws all started with this
brtex on November 12, 2008 at 4:25 PM
the == then
your_worst_enemy on November 12, 2008 at 4:26 PM
The easiest way to avoid Google’s snooping is one word: Scroogle. There’s also a Scroogle ‘Search Engine’ that can be added to Firefox.
martywd on November 12, 2008 at 4:33 PM
Meh, I’m not worried about the Feds having this (regional but non-specific) info.
But can we stop reporters from having it? If anyone is going to do damage with this, it’s going to be reporters and the new “Outbreak Watch 2009″ or whatever they’ll use for their splash screen.
gekkobear on November 12, 2008 at 4:35 PM
Quick, Google every STD that you can think of….
PappaMac on November 12, 2008 at 4:37 PM
Let’s not, okay? Kos-kidz constantly fed us “bush wouldn’t allow an election in 2004 and 2008″ – let’s not be them.
lorien1973 on November 12, 2008 at 4:42 PM
You must be mistaken. Google is the internet, there is no way around it.
neal7 on November 12, 2008 at 4:42 PM
Pretty sure if you search for it some libtard’s blog will come up, at the very least.
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on November 12, 2008 at 4:43 PM
Grue, I just signed you up for the Civil Defense Service. Your mission, if you choose to take it, is to EAT the libs. :)
HornetSting on November 12, 2008 at 4:46 PM
Now there’s a job I can really sink my teeth into.
-Bah-dum, pish!-
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on November 12, 2008 at 4:48 PM
You are HIRED, my friend. :)
HornetSting on November 12, 2008 at 4:48 PM
Don’t see the issue with it. Let it be.
jediwebdude on November 12, 2008 at 4:59 PM
Let it never be said that bad puns didn’t get me somewhere in this crazy world :P
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on November 12, 2008 at 5:04 PM
We will erect statues in your honor. Your attic will be a national historic building. We will slaughter 100 fatted calfs in your honor.
Uh, well, we’ll say thank you for your service. Here’s three $20 coupons for McDonalds.
HornetSting on November 12, 2008 at 5:11 PM
A Grue wouldn’t last for long on McDonalds shitwiches.
LimeyGeek on November 12, 2008 at 5:15 PM
I don’t know, I don’t even think a grue could keep down a lib…
redshirt on November 12, 2008 at 5:26 PM
It’s all we could afford, you know, economic crunch and everything…
HornetSting on November 12, 2008 at 5:26 PM
The /b/ tards at 4chan are in the process of hijacking googles flu tracking.
manfriend on November 12, 2008 at 5:26 PM
One glimpse of those long, sharp teeth and they would pee their pants.
HornetSting on November 12, 2008 at 5:27 PM
I mean keep it down if he ate it.
redshirt on November 12, 2008 at 5:29 PM
OH, my bad. Well, as long as the liberal is dead. We can use the bones for weapons and the jellyfish-like spine can be used to make soap.
HornetSting on November 12, 2008 at 5:30 PM
LMAO
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on November 12, 2008 at 5:46 PM
Oh, those sociopathic channers. Sure, some good has come out of that cesspool (like Project Chanology) but those guys are f***ed up. Those a**holes even hacked Chanology websites just for the hell of it.
mram on November 12, 2008 at 5:57 PM
I think this is an “add on” to something that was put into effect after 9/11.
The question was “how would we know if a Biological attack has occurred?”
Because some Biological weapons do not kill immediately, the first signs would be cold/Flu like symptoms.
Most people with the on set of a cold will go to their local pharmacy and buy OTC cold meds.
Normal “cold/Flu” patterns are known, along with normal OTC med sales (data mining) for a given area. Buy monitoring sales of OTC meds, an “unusual up tic in sales” of OTC meds MIGHT indicate an attack has occurred.
Well that’s my first wild guess.
DSchoen on November 12, 2008 at 6:02 PM
Beyond Chanology/Anonymous, has ANYTHING good come from there?
I appreciate and even encourage Chanology/Anonymous, but the rest of the site can mire in its own refuse, better that way for the rest of us IMO.
*lurks*
Grue in the Attic on November 12, 2008 at 6:02 PM
Agreed- your libertarian cred is shot to hell!
As we all know ANY government program stays where it is,never moves and we can always trust any alliance between government and corporations.
For stable government programs, I offer as evidence the stable Bailout Program as verified today by Secretary Paulson.
Government and Corporations? GM, Ford and AMEX.
Yup, trust them all Allahpundit!
Amendment X on November 12, 2008 at 6:05 PM
“Yeah, before modern medicine, in third world nations, in countries with socialized healthcare….uh, nevermind. Time to worry.”
Spanish flu outdid WWI in number of lives claimed.
1918 ‘Spanish Flu’ – Up to 40 Million Dead – a True Global Disaster
The name of Spanish Flu came from the early infections and large mortalities in Spain, where it apparently killed 8 million in May 1918. However, an initial wave of influenza appeared early in the spring of 1918 in Kansas and in military camps throughout the U.S.
It infected 28% of all Americans, according to some estimates. Around 675,000 Americans died of influenza during the epidemic, ten times as many as in the “Great War”. Influenza killed an estimated 43,000 American troops mobilized for WWI.
Half of the U.S. soldiers who died in Europe fell to the virus rather than the enemy, according to Deseret News.
DSchoen on November 12, 2008 at 6:20 PM
“I think we are just scratching the surface of what’s possible with collective intelligence.”
I think ya could say that.
So the assumption is that only people *with* the symptoms, *gloogle* the symptoms? Is that valid?
Claire on November 12, 2008 at 6:44 PM
Knock Knock!
“Hello?”
“Good afternoon. I am Sgt. Blah from the community division of the National Security Force. We have noticed an alarming change in your Google searches. Would you care to explain?”
JellyToast on November 12, 2008 at 7:31 PM
Cheers for the laugh! It breaks up the monotony of waiting for the next bail out announcement.
Crystald on November 12, 2008 at 7:42 PM
I’ll never use any Google product. They bent over backwards helping the blood-Red Chinese curtail internet freedom, but they refused to cooperate with our hunt for Islamofascists.
jgapinoy on November 12, 2008 at 8:56 PM
“Good afternoon. I am Sgt. Blah from the community division of the National Security Force.”
Does Sgt. Blah report to LT. Jones-Kelly?
DSchoen on November 12, 2008 at 9:09 PM
This is such a non-event. I mean, Google has launched a product called Ad Planner that helps media buyers plan advertising campaigns and target audience. That probably gives way more data.
This is really no big deal at all.
nlj on November 12, 2008 at 10:33 PM
This libertarian technologist has no problem with it. It’s aggregate, and non-identifying. Moreover, it is voluntarily submitted information.
Mark Jaquith on November 12, 2008 at 11:48 PM
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