Feb 09 Google Screenwise Program tracks user web activities

We got news earlier this morning regarding Google’s Screenwise Program. Partakers in the Screenwise install an extension in their Google Chrome Browser which enables Google keep an eye on to their internet activity. All the participants are rewarded with a $5 gift code to Amazon as once they install this browser extension. And for every three months for a year, a total of $25 in Amazon credit for participating in the program.

As once I got this news I started looking for something more about the program and as the Story ran I stand successful in getting a statement from a Google Spokesperson:

“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. 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.”

So it seems that the Screenwise is pretty ordinary market research panel, only having a browser extension instead of a questionnaire. Participants possess a high degree of control onto the things that Google exactly sees and for how long. Google is also line up to shoot for a small focus group-type program. The Screenwise sign up page do not possess any place for your email address anymore. Instead of it the visitors are greeted with a message, “We appreciate and are overwhelmed by your interest at the moment. Please come back later for more details.”