On January 24, 2012, Google announced it was changing its privacy policies. All 60 Google services will now be covered by a blanket policy.

But along with that, information across all platforms will be combined to create a fuller portrait of users. Ostensibly, the move will help Google better tailor ads to people's tastes.

The fact that users cannot "opt out," and given Google's checkered past regarding privacy issues, serious concerns are being expressed by federal agencies, congressional lawmakers, and privacy experts including Consumer Watchdog's John M. Simpson.