Gmail and privacy

stockhausen

stockhausen

stockhausen

Capodecina
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I don't use Gmail, Chrome or Google so I can't confirm whether or not the following story is accurate. I am however intrigued by it.

A work colleague tells me that her PC shows her when any of her friends is connected to the Internet. I was initially sceptical but I understand that this is in some way connected with people using "Google Chat" and Gmail and that it happens without either party requesting or accepting that it happens.

True or False?
 
When you log into gmail you in effect log into the chat so yes in that respect it will show you are online, however I think you can appear offline.

Absolute non issue IMO.

You can turn the chat off in settings too.
 
It is just like Skype etc, if you login then your friends can see that you are online. That is the tire purpose of google chat!
 
As said, it's just Google chat showing them as online when they, of course, log in. Can be turned off easily.

Think of it as the same way you can see if someone is online on these forums.
 
dasyad said:
When you log into gmail you in effect log into the chat so yes in that respect it will show you are online, however I think you can appear offline.

Absolute non issue IMO.

You can turn the chat off in settings too.
Click to expand...
As I say, I don't use Gmail or Google Chat (whatever that is, I assume it is something like Skype?). However, I understand that people are shown as logged in who have not signed up to and are not even aware of the existence of Google Chat. Are you signed up to it automatically simply by virtue of using Gmail?

How is Chat turned off in settings?


As to its being a non-issue, surely there is an issue if one's online status is displayed by default without your knowledge? Who exactly is categorised as a "friend" for this purpose?

I repeat, I don't use Gmail and don't know how it or Google Chat work - this "helpful" feature kinda demonstrates why ;)
 
stockhausen said:
Google didn't actually invent the concept of search engines, in much the same way that Microsoft didn't invent the Internet you know.
Click to expand...

Relevance? None.

Nobody thinks Microsoft invented the internet, but I'm sure it is a fascinating fact you use to WOW the technically inept with your super computer skills!
 
stockhausen said:
I don't use Gmail, Chrome or Google so I can't confirm whether or not the following story is accurate. I am however intrigued by it.

A work colleague tells me that her PC shows her when any of her friends is connected to the Internet. I was initially sceptical but I understand that this is in some way connected with people using "Google Chat" and Gmail and that it happens without either party requesting or accepting that it happens.

True or False?
Click to expand...

this is basically the same as saying facebook, msn, steam or any other online chat service including this very forum shows people when you're o nthe internet....

it's only if you log in and only if you're not set to appear offline/invisable
 
stockhausen said:
As to its being a non-issue, surely there is an issue if one's online status is displayed by default without your knowledge? Who exactly is categorised as a "friend" for this purpose?
Click to expand...

well you're telling every single person who uses/even views ocuk that you're on the internet every time you come on here....

heck you're even telling them what section you're reading.
 
stockhausen said:
How is Chat turned off in settings?
Click to expand...

Go into GMail settings.
Go into Chat tab
Change radio buttons from "Chat on" to Chat off"
Save changes

Yes, when they first started integrating chat in with GMail then it logged you in by default and it was obvious through what was being shown on screen that that was the case ... but it has always been trivial to turn it off.
 
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