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Google Gets in Front of Privacy
No comments · Posted by Robin Bectel in business, crisis comms, general pr
Google has launched a major consumer educational campaign called Good to Know which encourages people to protect themselves and their information on the Web. So often, companies shy away from being associated with hot button issues, but in many cases, getting out in front of an issue helps a company guide the discussion about it rather than allowing an issue to define the company or destroy its reputation.
Image courtesy of Google Website
Google has faced increasing scrutiny and ire about privacy along with lawsuits that are limiting its business momentum. Helping the market and regulators to understand this nascent issue is an important step for a company like Google to take, and its a good lesson for companies of any size. Whether you band together with others in the industry or go it alone, shying away from heavy issues almost always works against a company in the long run.
If you believe as Google professes to, in “doing no evil” then taking a public stance on an issue shows your intentions to the market.This may be as simple as a statement on your website or the support of a self-regulation campaign, or a more involved effort such as Google’s branded campaign.
Issues like privacy as well as things like file sharing before it always wind up being debated first in the court of public opinion before regulators and industry groups weigh in. Companies should examine their potential risk with both legal advisers and the communications team, along with their ability to make a difference to determine the best path forward in communicating with the market. Bottom line, a company needs to make a deliberate, strategic move when it comes to communicating about issue that will define an industry.
crisis comm · Google · privacy
