Do you have a Google / Google Plus account? You may be featured in inappropriate advertising. Here's how to opt out:

You may have seen a warning at the top of your Gmail or Chrome browser explaining that Google is changing its privacy policy. What Google is actually doing is starting a program where it takes things you’ve “liked” (or +1′ed, or rated) around the web, then use your name and face in advertisements that show up in other people’s Google search queries.

Remember when Facebook introduced a similar program, one unlucky guy became a spokesman for a giant barrel of lube (story link)? For the vast majority of people, this use of data is unacceptable.

The good news is that Google is giving you a one-click way to opt out of this sort of invasive use of your likeness.

Here's how to do it:

1. Follow this link: https://plus.google.com/settings/endorsements.
2. Now uncheck the box. Congratulations, you’re now opted-out of Google’s endorsement program.

Have you been Scroogled by Google? (Yes, scroogle is a real word).

In a new ad sweeping the nation, Microsoft is bringing it to your attention that you may be one of the many getting "scroogled" by Google. Of course, they're pushing their own product, Outlook.com, who doesn't go through your email to sell ads. Applause to Microsoft...you finally came up with a catchy, must see commercial!

"Think Google respects your privacy? Think again.

Google goes through every Gmail that's sent or received, looking for keywords so they can target Gmail users with paid ads. And there's no way to opt out of this invasion of your privacy. Outlook.com is different—we don't go through your email to sell ads."