Gmail and privacy

[Vampyre]

I haven't checked since Chat changed to Hangouts but I'm fairly sure there's an 'Appear Offline' option in the settings somewhere.

 

[window]

Time to worry is when redtube does it.

 

[dasyad]

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

It's like every other chat application ever made, when you sign in you are online so your friends can chat with you. You have the option to appear offline or even turn it off altogether via a very obvious setting.

You get a chat "account" because you don't just sign up to gmail but rather a Google Account, which encompasses all their offerings such as email, instant messaging and document storage.

Like I said, total non issue

 

[4T5]

Think a Facepalm is in order.

 

[stockhausen]

According to Google you have to install the Video Chat plug-in, I don't know whether there is a non-video version of Chat? However, I am reliably informed that someone who HAS installed Chat is able to see when a "Friend" who has NOT installed Chat is using Gmail. I suspect that as someone has suggested above, Chat is installed automatically if you use Gmail.

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.

I have just created a Gmail account - I can't see any reference to CHAT in Settings (the Gear wheel on the right?). Would you mind clarifying how you make this "trivial" change.


Once again, to those to whom this is not an issue - that is your personal opinion - to which you are of course quite entitled. I don't happen to share your view. On reflection, why are you posting your opinion? Frankly I really couldn't care less about your enthusiasm for exhibitionism

 

[d_brennen]

Click the icon that looks like "Hey, I'm Online!!11!". If you can't work it out from here, I suggest you turn the computer off, unplug it, find a large box and pack it away where it can do no more harm to your privicy

 

[dasyad]

According to Google you have to install the Video Chat plug-in, I don't know whether there is a non-video version of Chat? However, I am reliably informed that someone who HAS installed Chat is able to see when a "Friend" who has NOT installed Chat is using Gmail. I suspect that as someone has suggested above, Chat is installed automatically if you use Gmail.

I have just created a Gmail account - I can't see any reference to CHAT in Settings (the Gear wheel on the right?). Would you mind clarifying how you make this "trivial" change.


Once again, to those to whom this is not an issue - that is your personal opinion - to which you are of course quite entitled. I don't happen to share your view. On reflection, why are you posting your opinion? Frankly I really couldn't care less about your enthusiasm for exhibitionism

https://support.google.com/chat/answer/161823?hl=en-GB&ref_topic=2386086
https://support.google.com/chat/answer/159496?hl=en-GB&ref_topic=2386086

Took me less than a minute to find. Quite frankly it's not Googles problem that you and your colleague aren't paying attention to what's going on. If you don't want peoples opinion then why are you asking about it? You've clearly decided you're privacy is infringed regardless of the facts

Click the icon that looks like "Hey, I'm Online!!11!". If you can't work it out from here, I suggest you turn the computer off, unplug it, find a large box and pack it away where it can do no more harm to your privicy

This. Get yourself a tin foil suit while you're at it too.

 

[Pawnless Endgame]

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!

Yeah same with Steam. People on my buddy list can see if I'm online while not in a game, but will also inform them when I've entered a game. Vice versea as well. I could be in-game Final Fantasy VII and I'll get a pop-up saying that Joe Bloggs is now playing Poker Night 2.

 

[memyselfandi]

I have just created a Gmail account - I can't see any reference to CHAT in Settings (the Gear wheel on the right?). Would you mind clarifying how you make this "trivial" change.

Yes, you click the gear wheel on the right and go into settings. In settings it has tab titles along the top like General, Labels, Inbox, Accounts, Filters, Forearding and POP/IMAP and Chat.

Go into the Chat one and there is the option to turn it off like I said and like the first link to the official help page which dasyad posted says. Like I said, trivial.

Frankly, like most of the garbage threads you create, this is just you making a mountain out of a mole hill for attention ...

 

[stockhausen]

Yes, you click the gear wheel on the right and go into settings. In settings it has tab titles along the top like General, Labels, Inbox, Accounts, Filters, Forearding and POP/IMAP and Chat.

Go into the Chat one and there is the option to turn it off <snip>

Yup, found that - it doesn't actually stop someone else who Google chooses to identify as a "friend" seeing that you are logged into Gmail.

 

[stockhausen]

You have been warned!

Google has finally admitted they don't respect privacy," said John Simpson, Consumer Watchdog's privacy project director. "People should take them at their word; if you care about your email correspondents' privacy, don't use Gmail.

Unbeknown to millions of people, on a daily basis and for years, Google has systematically and intentionally read private email messages containing information you don't want anyone to know, and to acquire, collect, or mine valuable information from that mail.

That's not the half of it, God only knows what Google does with your data.