This is one +1 that won’t be using that. I don’t have any google apps like gmail, etc. but I do have iGoogle page setup, but don’t have a public profile and that’s the way it is staying
Given google’s track record on privacy (gmail and chrome), nothing would surprise me.
You have to ask why they introduce it, it really isn’t for the users benefit. It is effectively sending traffic to that location and if that results in a sale, etc. they get paid.