Google has offered to pay $25 a year to users to watch their online behaviour.
The search giant is offering to pay users to install Chrome browser extension that will monitor their browsing habits in detail, as part of its “Screenwise Project”.
“Google is building a new panel to learn more about how everyday people use the internet,” the company said on the project’s landing page.
“As a panelist, you’ll add a browser extension that will share with Google the sites you visit and how you use them. What we learn from you, and others like you, will help us improve Google products and services and make a better online experience for everyone.”
Despite the stealth launch, with no official announcement, the service is already in high demand, with sign-ups paused for the moment.
People can choose to participate if it’s of interest (or if the gift appeals) and everyone who does participate has complete transparency
“We appreciate and are overwhelmed by your interest at the moment,” the sign-up page said. “Please come back later for more details.” With the rewards paid in dollars, it’s unclear whether non-US surfers will be eligible.
Although the project is voluntary, it is bound to raise concerns over users’ privacy, especially at a time when recent changes to Google’s privacy policy are facing investigation by regulators, but the company said Screenwise was merely market research.
“Like many other web and media companies, we do panel research to help better serve our users by learning more about people’s media use, on the web and elsewhere,” the company said in a statement sent to PC Pro. ”This panel is one such small project that started near the beginning of the year.
“People can choose to participate if it’s of interest (or if the gift appeals) and everyone who does participate has complete transparency and control over what internet use is being included in the panel. People can stay on the panel as long as they’d like, or leave at any time.”
It wasn’t immediately clear what information Google would gather that it doesn’t gain from logged in users already, and Google has yet to get back to us with any details.
Under the programme, Google said it would provide up to $25 in gift cards for Amazon.com, with $5 on sign-up and another $5 for every three months in the scheme. Payments beyond a year are yet to be decided.
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