Google to pay users to browse - so the search giant can watch every link they click



Move comes after EU asks Google to 'halt' changes to privacy policy

'Panellists' paid $25 to install browser 'spy' add-on

Add-on delivers information to Google

Google's Mountain View HQ: The search giant's new Screenwise programme pays web users to install a browser add-on that lets Google watch their browsing habits

Google is to pay computer users to browse the web so the search giant watches every link they click.



'Panelists' in the new Google Screenwise programme will be paid up to $25 in Amazon gift cards.

The payments offer an insight into how much web users' private data - usually harvested by giants such as Facebook and Google without payment - is worth.

Users have to download a browser extension, which allows Google to monitor which sites they visit and how they use them.

Popular blog Search Engine Land said, 'The timing of this program seems odd, especially considering the backlash that Google has faced over the upcoming changes to its privacy policy.'

'Even though this Screenwise program is completely opt-in, some critics are bound to question why Google needs more data about web searchers and the websites they visit.'

European regulators wrote to Google CEO Larry Page last week calling on the search giant to halt the introduction of its new 'one-size-fits-all' privacy policy

The policy was due to come into effect on March 1, and would allow Google to share what it knows about users between services such as Google Search, Gmail and YouTube.

The move horrified privacy advocates and bloggers - tech site ZDNet said that Google would 'know more about you than your wife does' and said the policy was 'Big Brother-ish'.

The Screenwise page says that the company is currently 'overwhelmed' by interest in the programme.



'As a panelist, you'll add a browser extension that will share with Google the sites you visit and how you use them. What we learn from you, and others like you, will help us improve Google products,' says the company.



Users are given a $5 gift card for signing up, then receive further $5 cards every month as long as they remain signed up.

The search company emphasises the fact that users can opt out at any time.



'Like many other web and media companies, we do panel research to help better serve our users by learning more about people's media use, on the web and elsewhere,' says a spokesperson.

'This panel is one such small project that started near the beginning of the year. Of course, this is completely optional to join. People can choose to participate if it's of interest (or if the gift appeals) and everyone who does participate has complete transparency and control over what Internet use is being included in the panel. People can stay on the panel as long as they'd like, or leave at any time.'



The 'Screenwise' panel is open to web users aged 13 or over who have a Google account.

You also have to use Google's Chrome browser.





