Google's declaration of intent to assemble the most comprehensive database of personal information has thrown down the gauntlet to civil libertarians.

The ultimate aim is to make Google so personal that it can target people known to be interested in certain products or services just from their Google activities. It is expected that one day users could ask a computer 'What should I do today?' or 'Which job should I take?' and it will tell them the answer.

In theory there should be no problem. In fact, the new database could make life easier - perhaps even better.

Also under the Data Protection Act information must only be used for the purposes it was given and Google has said it plans to impose a limit on the period it keeps personal information.