In addition to privacy issues over who has your data is also who controls your data. This week saw Google suspend its services to people it didn't like; specifically, Google banned (ie disabled) accounts of some Google Pixel buyers who tried to take advantage of a tax loophole and save a few bucks on the smartphone.

The Internet giant has suspended hundreds of accounts owned by users who purchased its Pixel smartphone. Those affected purchased a Google smartphone through the company's Project Fi wireless carrier service and had them shipped to New Hampshire, where there is no state sales tax. A reseller there allegedly sold the smartphone to others and shared the tax-savings profit with the original buyer, according to a post on Dan's Deals, a site that offers tips for users to save money.

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The disurbing aspect of this event is not about whether these buyers were in the right or wrong, but that Google has a kill switch for peoples' accounts that it can flip anytime it doesn't like someone.

Today it's someone who breaks Google's terms and conditions, tomorrow it could be someone who criticises Google a bit too much. Or perhaps a competitor.

Or perhaps someone who's not prepared to divulge personal data.

Google services are free, but remember, not only that your data isn't private, but that they also control your access to your own data.

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