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Tag: Firebase

  • Google Sued For Tracking Users, Even When They Opt Out

    Google Sued For Tracking Users, Even When They Opt Out

    Google is facing yet another privacy-related lawsuit, this one alleging the company tracks users even after they opt out.

    The lawsuit, filed in the US district court in San Jose, claims that Google uses Firebase to continue monitoring users and tailoring ads to them. Google’s Firebase is used for notifications, alerts, data storage, ads and tracking software glitches, as well as user interactions, such as clicks. Many developers use the tool in their apps.

    According to Reuters, the lawsuit alleges that “even when consumers follow Google’s own instructions and turn off ‘Web & App Activity’ tracking on their ‘Privacy Controls,’ Google nevertheless continues to intercept consumers’ app usage and app browsing communications and personal information.”

    The lawsuit also claims that Google uses Firebase to tailor its ads, effectively using it as an end-run around tracking. The firm filing the lawsuit is seeking class-action status.

    This is not the only lawsuit Google is facing for ignoring opt-out settings. Earlier this year, Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich filed a lawsuit against the company for continuing to track users after they opt out.

    Needless to say, this is not a good look for Google when the company is facing increased scrutiny in both the US and the EU for privacy issues and anti-competitive practices.

  • Google Announces Firebase Acquisition

    Google Announces Firebase Acquisition

    Google announced that it has acquired Firebase, adding its team to its own Google Cloud Platform team. The startup has developed wasy to make it easier for developers to build mobile and web apps that store and sync data in realtime.

    Google’s Greg DeMichillie had this to say in a blog post:

    Mobile is one of the fastest-growing categories of app development, but it’s also still too hard for most developers. With Firebase, developers are able to easily sync data across web and mobile apps without having to manage connections or write complex sync logic. Firebase makes it easy to build applications that work offline and has full-featured libraries for all major web and mobile platforms, including Android and iOS.

    By combining Firebase with Google Cloud Platform, we’ll be able to build the best end-to-end platform for mobile application development. If you’re already a Firebase developer, you’ll start seeing improvements right away and if you’re a Google Cloud Platform customer, you’ll find it even easier to create great mobile and web apps. The entire Firebase team is joining Google and, under the leadership of Firebase co-founders James Tamplin and Andrew Lee, will be working hard to bring you great new features. Not only will the products you already love continue to get better, but you’ll also gain access to the full power of Google Cloud Platform.

    Firebase co-founder and CEO James Tamplin talks about the acquisition more here. Not only will Firebase itself reamain a thing, but it’s actually hiring.

    Google says it will show off new Firebase features and integrations with Cloud Platform at the Google Cloud Platform Live event on November 4th.

    Image via Firebase