Despite the belief of many people that you can get information on the Internet completely confidentially, this is not always the case. Google constantly collects data about its customers.
But there is nothing strange or dangerous here. The same is done by all large companies that provide services via the Internet, such as Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, eBay and other technology companies.
In most cases, the collected information is used to train various algorithms, including those responsible for ranking products, personalization of issuance, analysis of seasonal demand dynamics, etc.
Why have customer information?
Companies collect data about each user for a reason. To improve the performance of their products and services. In most cases, the data is depersonalized, in any case, the company often declares this.
By the way, most companies in the world do this in order to identify the target audience and optimize their work to increase efficiency.
So, why do companies monitor their users? All actions and operations of the client speak about his desires. Companies must own such data in order to develop competently and reflect all the needs of each of their clients.
In addition, each client has their own wishes for the network. You can’t just make a list of where people usually go on the Internet, which sites they visit, and what they do there. Everyone has their own preferences, so it is important for companies to know personal data about each client.
Naturally, such information repositories on the server cause concern among customers. No one wants their browser history to be on public display. But representatives of the company have repeatedly stated that all information is safe. No one can hack the security system.
Google does not currently use the data for marketing purposes. At least, there is no hard evidence. But still, what Google knows about you?
What information is needed?
All the data can be divided into a couple dozen categories. The information may be related to the history of requests, the rating of frequently visited sites and other actions that the user performs on the network. Let’s take a closer look at why the company needs each type of information.
History of voice commands
When a company’s client requests information using a voice assistant or simply enables voice search, his messages are immediately sent to the server. This is necessary for voice recognition and query execution.
A similar function helps the user himself, because the system understands his commands better. If the user works with voice commands, you can view and listen to them in the settings.
Close friends
Google knows which of the contacts the Android user or the company’s services most often interacts with. To see who the company considers your closest friends, you can find them in the control panel. The system does not add everyone to the list. The system automatically sorts according to the number of interactions.
Browser
The company knows a lot about the users of its Chrome browser. Each user searches for certain information on the web, and also selects only some sites.
The system records everything. You may notice for yourself that you are often given sites that are similar to the ones you were looking for.
History of sending emails
It would be naive to believe that Google does not monitor the communication of users of the Gmail mail service. You can view the history of correspondence in the mail panel. The system records not only the letters, but also the recipients to whom the messages are sent.
User movement history
The company has its own card system. You can not only find the address on the maps, but the system records the places where the user is. More precisely, where the company’s client is active on the network. In the list, you can find out where and when the user was.
However, in order for Google to have all this information, both geolocation and the location history function must be enabled.
If the user does not want his location to be tracked by the system, he can simply disable the location on the device. Although such a setting helps to more accurately issue links on request.
Devices
Google knows what you were doing with an Android device. The Android operating system keeps records of application launches. In the settings, you can see which applications and how often you run. To simplify the search, you can filter information by date and application.
In addition, Google keeps a log of the use of different devices by the same user. You can view the history in the same place – in the control panel of your account, in the Android tab.
Here you can see which devices and how often you have used, as well as a list of installed applications. Google recognizes the user’s computer or other device instantly.
Search queries
Most customers use Google to search. The company keeps records of both the number of requests and their content. You may notice that if you often searched for something, then the next time the system gives out links that are similar in meaning and format.
Is it possible to hide information?
In the settings, you can view all the information that Google owns. Don’t be surprised, but your first name, last name, and even phone number have been known on the web for a long time.
Naturally, in the world of online shopping and social networks, it is impossible to completely hide all the data about yourself. Google stores all the data in its own system. Also, passwords.
The system provides for the possibility of hacking, and therefore only the owner himself can save the password for further use. You can view everything owned by the company in your own account.
In the section with personal data there is a section “About yourself”. There you can not only find out all the details, but also delete what you consider unacceptable for public access.
Despite the fact that the company owns a large amount of information about each user, so far this data is practically not used. There is no danger in the dissemination of personal information about the client.
Although from time to time there are leaks of user data. If you are afraid or do not want the company to receive and store data, you can disable the location and use special programs to hide information.
