You may have seen a warning at the top of your Gmail or Chrome explaining in boilerplate language that Google is changing its privacy policy. What Google is actually doing is starting a program where it takes things you've "liked" (or +1'ed, or rated) around the web, then uses your name and face in advertisements that show up in other people's Google search queries. When Facebook introduced a similar program, one unlucky guy became a spokesman for a giant barrel of lube. For the vast majority of people, this use of data is unacceptable.
The good news is that unlike Facebook, Google's giving you a one-click way to opt out of this sort of invasive use of your likeness. Here's how you do it:
Go here. (You can also find it at https://plus.google.com/settings/endorsements)
Now uncheck the box! Congratulations, you're now opted-out of Google's endorsement program. However, if you don't have a Google Plus account associated with your Google account, you'll have to sign up for one. Either way, Google wins.
