The privacy changes announced by Google this week highlight the classic dilemma of the digital age: Are you willing to give companies a clearer picture of yourself, and what you do, in exchange for the promise of a better online experience?

Here’s how the company explains it: “The main change is for users with Google Accounts. Our new Privacy Policy makes clear that, if you’re signed in, we may combine information you’ve provided from one service with information from other services. In short, we’ll treat you as a single user across all our products, which will mean a simpler, more intuitive Google experience.”

For more background, here are the company’s new terms of service, and its new unified privacy policy, both taking effect March 1.

Not everyone is happy about the changes. In Washington, D.C., where Google is coming under increased regulatory scrutiny, the Washington Post reported on the changes on Page A1 this morning under the headline, “Google announces privacy changes across products; users can’t opt out.”

“Google’s new privacy announcement is frustrating and a little frightening,” Common Sense Media chief executive James Steyer told the paper. “Even if the company believes that tracking users across all platforms improves their services, consumers should still have the option to opt out — especially the kids and teens who are avid users of YouTube, Gmail and Google Search.”

How do you feel about Google’s changes? Vote in our poll below.

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