Google’s new project, called “Screenwise”, encourages participants to share a few private details in exchange for up to $25 in gift cards from Amazon.com. Screenwise is a project wherein users who sign-up just have to add a Chrome browser extension so that Google can instantly “learn” what websites visitors go to and how they use it. The goal of the project is to help Google improve their products and services, making sure that everyone has a better online experience, as stated in the Internet mogul’s Screenwise page.
In exchange for users’ privacy, they can receive up to $25 in gift cards that can be redeemed via Amazon.com. Starting from a $5 sign-up bonus, users can receive additional Amazon.com gift card codes every three months that they are in the program. Amazon.com is not directly involved with Google on this project because there is a third-party online research firm, the Knowledge Networks, who acts as a panel management partner.
As stated in Google’s response to Search Engine Land’s inquiry, the official statement says:
Like many other web and media companies, we do panel research to help better serve our users by learning more about people’s media use, on the web and elsewhere. This panel is one such small project that started near the beginning of the year. Of course, this is completely optional to join. People can choose to participate if it’s of interest (or if the gift appeals) and everyone who does participate has complete transparency and control over what Internet use is being included in the panel. People can stay on the panel as long as they’d like, or leave at any time.
A more extensive program is the Screenwise Data Collector, a high-end router that participants should install to do consumer research. Not only does it pay better (participants can instantly earn $100 upon signing up), but data from the study can also be shared with academic institutions, publishers, and other third-party though Google will be quick to remove personal details before sharing it.
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