Do you value your privacy? Anyone who knows your name can look up your whole life history online via a quick “people search”. If someone wants to track your location, they just need to read free cell phone tracking guides to get started.
Oh, did we mention Google is tracking you right now?
Google tracks you via its products and services
If you use any of Google’s services, you’re being tracked. If you use multiple Google services, you’re being tracked more. And if you own an Android device, Google may be tracking your every move!
Here is how Google keeps track of you:
- Google.com: Whenever you run a Google search.
- Google Chrome: When you start up Google Chrome from a known device or IP address.
- YouTube: When you visit YouTube from a known device or log on to your Google account from a new device.
- Google Maps: Whenever you use Google Maps for anything.
- Android Phone: Google owns the Android operating system. It collects data about its users.
- Google Apps: Google can track you through apps like Google Photos, Google Drive, and Google Keep.
That’s not all, though. Google can also track you through passive means. According to Digital Context Next and Professor Schmidt of Vanderbilt University, Google may obtain information on any website you visit or app you.
What sort of data does Google collect?
Wondering what information Google collects? It’s a significant amount:
- Your Google searches: Every search you ever made on Google is stored. It’s then associated with your personal account.
- Location history: Any place you visited with your smartphone with Location Services turned on is logged. Google also knows where you live and work.
- Your app activity: What apps you use, how you use them, where you use them, and with whom you use them.
- Text messages: Google can read your text messages because they are unencrypted.
- Emails: If you use Gmail, Google knows the contents of every mail you sent out or received.
- Photos: Your photos, especially if you use Google Photos.
Visit the official Google takeout page to see the information the search engine giant has stored about you.
Should you panic about how much Google knows? Google is bound by privacy laws. But it does still misuse your data on occasion.
What can you do about it?
Don’t like how much Google knows about you? Here’s what you can do about it:
- Opt-out of Google’s data gathering: You can block Google from accessing sensitive information. We recommend you take the Privacy Checkup and tweak your account settings.
- Use alternate apps and services: Consider switching to apps and services that guarantee your privacy. The Tor browser allows you to browse the net privately. You can use DuckDuckGo for private searches.
Google is nice and transparent about its data collection practices. But that’s no reason to give it free rein over your information. Your data is valuable. Your privacy matters!
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