Now when it already rules your computer, Google wants a beachhead to sit on your TV.  For internet TV fans, Google has come up with something really interesting, something that can transform your high-definition TV set into an exceptional Internet-surfing device. This is really going to revolutionize how websites and programming are experienced.

However, the introduction of Google TV is not without controversies. In its voracious quest to deliver complete search results along with its ability to track what viewers do, the company is actually triggering a firestorm. From Hollywood to Washington, critics are saying bad things about the implications for privacy, competition, and even piracy.

Internet TV is the latest craze for sure, but the technology requires specifically configured TV sets. Once you get a right TV set, finding content online is a snap. You just need to type a specific subject or the name of the show into the search bar; you can do it using your wireless keypad. Enter it and Google TV will help you see content and videos that come from a number of platforms – from YouTube as well as from other sources, including broadcast and pay-TV channels.

The problem is that in order to provide all this, the company has started a war over the use of intellectual property. That’s why some major broadcasting companies are not allowing their content to be viewed through Google TV. Another argument made against the use of Google TV is that it is going to inspire people to view pirated videos, which can be found and streamed onto digital TV sets with the help of Google TV. The critics don’t stop here and have some other things to say. For instance, piracy experts believe that this particular form of internet TV may allow Google to collect data on its users. It may be used to study your viewing habits, which is going to help advertisers produce relevant ads. It makes your TV set an intelligent device, but most Americans are still afraid of having their TV sets turned into a device that has memory and the ability to monitor them.

The privacy concerns get to the center of attraction with Sony producing a line of smart TVs with Google TV built in. They say that the TV is going to keep a record of all sites you visit more frequently; in fact, it may keep track of your favorite podcasts, online series, online news feeds, and recorded videos.

On the other hand, Google TV’s piracy policy is also available to say a few things about the way they plan to work. It is clearly mentioned that the company is not going to collect TV-viewing histories, at least for now – but they may do so in the near future with users’ permission. Moreover, it is worth mentioning that Google TV’s privacy policy states that the company reserves the right to store and collect “non-personalized” information even without asking for permission.  It all implies that though Google’s critics have a lot to say about this new technology, internet TV users are going to enjoy this technology, at least until the FCC rules or legislation have something specific to say about it.

The article is contributed by Calvin Scott. Calvin is fascinated with technology and loves updating his knowledge bank by browsing the net. Visit his site for internet and internet en tv.