The Google Screenwise program, which has largely travelled under the radar so far, is a new incentive by search giant Google. It offers users who are willing to share their browsing data with Google, and some third parties, the opportunity to earn Amazon vouchers for doing so. The pay scales aren’t massive and there is, of course, some debate as to how exactly the information will be used and who it will be shared with but Google says that the program will be used to learn how people use the Internet on a daily basis.
The Screenwise Program
The program is a relatively simple premise. Users with a Google account and the Chrome browser can install a browser extension and, once this is done, information regarding the websites visited and other browsing data will be passed from Chrome to Google. There is also a more complex version, which pays more, and requires the installation of a high end router.
Payments For Sharing
Payment terms aren’t overly generous, although you are of course getting the vouchers simply for surfing the Internet exactly as you do now. Standard users will receive a $5 Amazon voucher for signing up and a further $5 for every 3 months they continue to use the extension, up to a maximum $25 although this figure could be increased at a later date.
Bigger Payments For Less Privacy
The more advanced program uses an advanced router which is mailed to the user’s home along with installation instructions. This program offers more handsome rewards with a $100 payment on sign-up and a further $20 per month as long as the user continues to surf using the router. This router will track all of your browsing habits on any device that connects to your home network including mobile phone, games consoles, and more.
Google’s Take
The program is entirely opt in but despite this, and partially because of the backlash faced following the release of their new Privacy Guidelines, there is some skepticism regarding the program. Google, for their part, say that the program is entirely opt in, members can leave whenever they like, and their exists complete transparency over the data that is shared.
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