Google: Big Brother's tattletale son?

Every search you've ever launched through Google (NASDAQ:GOOG), every page you've ever visited as a result of said search -- that's the info that Google announced this week they have compiled and will offer back to you via Google Web History.

Though they guise it as a service designed for my convenience, I must admit the thought of their hanging onto such data sends chills up my spine. I suppose I've been a willing participant in the delusion that the size and complexity of the Internet grants my browsing habits a measure of anonymity. Now, however, I find that the service that has been feeding my addiction is also videotaping me at my worst, then offering me the opportunity to relive those moments at my convenience.

And it's not necessary. My browser, your browser, all have a history feature that stores locally a track of sites visited. We can let the list compile or delete it at our pleasure.

Of course, that's not the 500-lb. gorilla in this story. The gorilla is the possibility that my web travels will be available to anyone able to convince a judge to write an order, or to any hacker talented enough to pose as me. Identity theft? Somehow, I feel more violated by this than by someone pinching my credit card.

The Googlebund's greatest enemy at the moment is the human fear of consolidated power, and the possibility that one day we will refuse to feed the monster with our mouse clicks. Until now, I've been willing to concede little pieces of my freedom in return for the riches returned. But now that I know that they are in fact the kid hiding behind the garage recording my every movement, I may have to find an alternative.