Last weeks article on WebMetricGuru sparked a cross-column conversation throughout the network about Google and privacy concerns resulting from the rise of digitized information. To wit, today's review will focus on these articles and others relevant to the topic.

Marshall Sponder, the author who started it all (at least on Know More Media) and author of WebMetricsGuru wrote another article asking if we really have cause for concern.

AdHurl author George Parker brought levity to a topic that has a slight air of panic. According to Parker if we don't trust Google, or don't like the idea of them storing our information for an extended period, we should use a different search engine. Apparently, what Google doesn't know about you isn't worth knowing anyway.

Fard Johnmar, author of HealthCareVox disclosed information that could ease some apprehensions by pointing out at least one company that does not collect "personally identifiable information" online. He does wonder however how Google and other companies collecting and storing private information digitally will protect that information from identity theft.

ProductivityGoal author Carolyn Manning addressed several facets of Google's retention noting that Google is working on ways to protect the information they store. Manning also acknowledged that Google's decision to reduce the length of time user data is stored could just be lip service.

Claire Celsi author of TheDemoMemo examined the issue from a political perspective espousing her fear of what power - and access to our private information - in the wrong hands could mean. Celsi's trust's Google but not the Patriot Act because in her book, the government has already proven itself to be untrustworthy.