Google Alters Buzz to Tackle Privacy Flaws

Google Alters Buzz to Tackle Privacy Flaws: (New York Times)
Google moved quickly to contain a firestorm of criticism over Buzz, its new social network, taking the unusual step of announcing changes to the product over the weekend to address privacy problems. Google has decided to alter one of the most vehemently criticized features in Buzz: the ready-made circle of friends that Buzz gives new users based on their most frequent e-mail and chat contacts. Now, instead of automatically connecting people, Buzz merely suggests to new users a group of people that they may want to follow or want to be followed by. See also HOW TO: Integrate Facebook, Twitter, and Buzz into Your Gmail (Mashable), Buzz or Bust by Leslie Harris, President and CEO of the Center for Democracy & Technology, Google boss says ‘nobody was harmed’ by Buzz debacle (Guardian) and Google facing lawsuit over Buzz privacy in federal court (Ars Technica).

(Via QuickLinks Update.)