Google has been a source of the internet world, right from its launch in 1998. However, then no one would have thought that this search engine would have an irreplaceable role in the day-to-day activities of a vast majority of people worldwide.
Today, Google plays a crucial role in every activity we engage in. From searching for information on Google Chrome to sending emails through Gmail and watching videos on YouTube, Google takes part in most of our daily activities.
Sometimes, you have been amazed by the personalized suggestions and information it offers. From the gadgets you have been talking about to your friends to the projects you have been working on, Google provides suggestions and advertisements personalized for you.
However, have you ever wondered how Google does this? Yes, it is through the data it collects from us. These data help indeed offer enhanced user experience. But, have thought about the potential risks it possesses?
In this article, we will take a closer look at how Google collects this information. We will also discuss who benefits from these collected data. Furthermore, this article will also provide certain tips that improve your privacy on Google.
So, no matter whether you are concerned about Google’s data collection or not, read on and safeguard your privacy from the digital realm.
How does Google collect the users’ data?
Google has wide access to every big and small activity you do in your daily life. From the comments you make on your YouTube, the places you visit using Google Maps, the files you save on your drive, the things and products you search for on Chrome, to even the events and reminders you set on your Calender, Google knows each and everything happening in your life. So, collecting data to offer you a personalized user experience is not a big deal for Google these days.
However, let us explore the details of how Google collects these data:
Accounts created on Google products
You are asked to provide your personal details like phone number, credit or debit card details, and email address while creating an account on any of Google platforms including YouTube, Maps, and others.
According to Google’s terms and policies, it is clearly mentioned that the information you offer and the content you create, upload, or receive will be analyzed by Google to improve the user experience. So, this is one of the most important methods used by Google to collect your data.
Apps, browsers, and devices
Sometimes, how you access the products and services offered by Google also matters in determining how it collects your data.
The information provided on the apps, browsers, and devices you use will also be collected by Google. These data may include IP address, system activity, referred URLs, and crash reports.
Pixels, cookies, and databases
Google can also access technical information from the pixels implemented on a website. Moreover, the cookies, databases, and raw data from storage are also accessed by Google.
Location
Most of you might be aware that most Google products have access to your GPS and current location. Whether you are using Google Maps or not, you are asked to turn on your GPS for several services offered by Google. So, through these, Google can collect information about its users.
Who benefits from the collected data?
As mentioned, Google has said that it uses the users’ data to improve their user experience and browsing patterns. So, the simple answer for who benefits from Google’s collected data is everyone.
These data help businesses better understand their target audiences and their preferences. It helps elevate the marketing techniques and create strategies that better attract potential customers towards them. It also helps businesses decide how, when, and where to invest.
Similarly, the data collected by Google also help customers. With the right advertisements and suggestions, customers can easily gain access to their desired products and services. So, it helps users and customers with customized advertisements and suggestions specially curated for them.
So, altogether, the data collected by Google benefits every user, no matter whether they are a business owner or a common customer. However, it also comes with its concerns and privacy issues. So, how can you prevent or reduce these privacy concerns? Let’s discuss it in the next section.
How can users improve their privacy on Google?
Privacy concerns always loom above every internet user. It is a known fact that the digital realm does not offer one hundred percent privacy for any of its users. However, there are some measures that every one of you can take to protect your privacy and data Google to a certain extent. Some of them include:
Sign out of Google
All Google services do not require you to sign in to your Google account. Although some services like Gmail can only be accessed by signing into your account, most others do not require a mandatory account sign-in. so, the simplest way to to safeguard your privacy is to sign out of your Google account.
Activate two-step authentication
Protecting your Google accounts with a strong password is the first step to safeguarding your data from unauthorized activities. Similarly, the two-step authentication also has a major role in securing users’ information. All Google users are asked to enable their two-step authentication as it protects your account from data breaches and hacking to a major extent.
Verify location Access
Once your phone is connected to your Google account, there are several ways through which Google can collect your location details. Some of these include finding your phone and location history.
Although these features help protect your phone from theft, you should be aware of the fact that anyone with your Google account details can locate your device leading to data theft.
Remove connected accounts and apps
Nowadays, you can use various websites and apps by connecting them with your Google account. Although this may seem easy, it can lead to data theft and privacy concerns. So, verify which apps and accounts are linked with your Google and remove the ones found unnecessary.
Also Read: Monetary Penalties In Cyber Security
Conclusion
So, although Google helps offer personalized user experiences and improved browsing with the data that are being collected from you, it also comes with certain concerns and issues. So, by staying aware of the ways in which Google collects your information and who benefits from it, you will be able to identify potential risks and concerns.
Moreover, following the tips mentioned in this article including, removing unnecessary accounts and apps, enabling two-step authentication, and verifying location access, you will reduce privacy concerns and potential risks.
