History teaches us that closed societies are oppressive and stymie creativity and innovation. Look at North Korea, Myanmar, or Sudan where differences in politics, religious beliefs, or ideas are simply not tolerated by those in power. As a result people are raped, mutilated, and killed. The society does not advance and only those in power become wealthy; and then only for as long as they are actually in power.

Open societies allow for an exchange of ideas, encourage education and free thought, and are tolerant of the religious beliefs (or lack thereof) of others. Innovation is celebrated. Lives are improved. Everyone has a chance to flourish – whatever that means to each individual. Not everyone wants to be fabulously wealthy. Some only want the chance to study, or raise their children in a decent neighborhood, or have a chance to travel. Open societies encourage this.

If the blog post from Google is to be believed, then Google can be trusted with our information as long as they continue along the path they have tread so far. They are telling us what information they have on use via Google Dashboard. They are giving us a way to get our information out of Google through their Data Liberation Front. Finally, they are opening up many of their projects for developers to augment and improve. Examples include Chrome (browser and operating system), Android (cell phone operating system), and Google Wave (a whole new tool that I’m still trying to learn).

As long as they keep giving us value in exchange for our information the I think we can trust Google. However, once they break that trust their company is done for. So far, Google has my trust. I can’t say the same for some of their competitors in a variety of industries…

Your thoughts on this topic? Please share your ideas on this…

Image Credit: This image was retrieved on December 21, 2009 from The Bookish Dilettante using Google Images.