Google Desktop - Hello, feds!

When Google introduced its Desktop feature, I actually went so far as to open the page to read about it. But, before I even got all the way through the "Terms," I thought, "hmm."

"All my info will be stored on a Google server so I can access it through this Desktop tool? Not cool."

I hadn't thought about it since, but somebody else has been.

Google's new Desktop Search could prove to be the biggest government invasion of privacy of all time. The new tool lets you store your desktop data on Google servers. So when the feds come with a subpoena (or without one, as they frequently do), they'll be able to search through your PC's files.

The technology behind the new features is certainly clever, and there's a great deal to be said for it. If you store your data on Google servers, you'll be able to do a search on that PC wherever you are. So if you're traveling, or at another PC, you get immediate access to your data.

But that comes at a serious price. Google says that your data will be kept private. But keep in mind that Google also complies with most subpoenas from the government, and so it may be forced to turn over your data to the feds or other law enforcement officials if they come calling.

Yeah. I'll pass, thank you.