Rupert Murdoch Takes On Google Via Twitter

The head of News Corp and conservative television network Fox News is calling on someone, anyone, to "expose" Internet giant Google. Rupert Murdoch made that request in a recent tweet.

Sunday evening Murdoch had this to say via popular social networking site Twitter: "Please expose Eric Schmidt, Google etc. Just wait!"

Apparently feeling guilty about the post, Murdoch followed up on his initial tweet by writing "Oops! Better ignore last tweet."

Reason For Targeting Google Unclear

Murdoch hasn't specifically attacked Google in the past, so it's not entirely clear why he made the declaration. It's also unclear why he singled out Eric Schmidt, who currently serves as Google's chairman.

Finally, it's also not clear who Murdoch wants to investigate Google.

It's entirely possible the tweet was related to Google's recent announcement that, through a new Terms of Service being unveiled November 11, 2013, it will start using Google+ members' pictures and information in advertisements.

It's a controversial decision given that Facebook is currently being investigated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for unveiling a similar policy last month.

How to Keep Your Face Out of Google Ads

It's worth noting that Google, unlike Facebook, is giving its users the ability to opt out of the program. To do so, Google+ users must click on the 'Shared Endorsements' page on the social networking site.

From there, users need to scroll to the bottom of the page and uncheck the box that reads, "Based upon my activity, Google may show my name and profile photo in shared endorsements that appear in ads." (Source: pcworld.com)

So, it's entirely possible Mr. Murdoch doesn't like the idea of Google using his face for ads on Google+. Then again, perhaps the tweet had more to do with Murdoch's own Sunday evening than Google's new Google+ Terms of Service.

"I imagine that after he sent that tweet, he felt fair balance of mind and body had been restored," noted CNET writer Chris Matyszczyk.

"I can see him leaning back on his chaise-lounge, breathing deeply, and pouring himself a sharp snifter." (Source: cnet.com)

But maybe, just maybe, he poured one or two drinks before making the tweet.