Google to merge user data across more services, simplify privacy policy

LOS ANGELES - Google is overhauling the way it treats user data, linking information across its array of email, video and social-networking services so that information gathered in one place can be used in another.
   
For example, if you spent the last hour logged into Google to search the Web for skateboards, the next time you log into YouTube, there's a good chance you'll get recommendations for videos featuring Tony Hawk.
   
The changes take effect March 1 and remove some of the legal hurdles that Google faced by having more than 70 different privacy policies across various services. But the changes could irk privacy critics for the sheer volume of information collected.
   
Google Inc. hopes to improve the user experience across its different services and give advertisers a better way to find customers.