snoop1130 Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 New Google default wipes users' location, web history after 18 months By Paresh Dave FILE PHOTO: The logo of Google is seen in Davos, Switzerland Januar 20, 2020. Picture taken January 20, 2020. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo OAKLAND, Calif. (Reuters) - Alphabet Inc's Google said on Wednesday it will automatically delete some location history after 18 months for new users and make it easier for everyone to access its search, Maps and YouTube apps without being tracked. The updates to Google's privacy controls arrive as the world's largest search engine faces heightened scrutiny on its data collection practices. New privacy laws in California and Europe have prompted internet companies to adjust practices over the last two years. Several lawsuits by consumers and U.S. state attorneys general in the last few months have accused Google of deception in data gathering. Under Google's updated settings, YouTube's viewing history of new users will disappear after 36 months and location tracking and web browsing history will get dropped after 18 months. Users have the option of choosing shorter or longer timeframes. However, Google may still be able to access and store location details in other ways. Users can more easily search in what Google calls "incognito mode," by just holding down their profile picture at the top of the search, Maps or YouTube apps. Previously, an additional click in the apps' menu was required. Google does not keep a log of users' activity when they are in incognito. The company derives most of its revenue from ads, which are typically based on data about what users are watching and reading and where they are located. Alphabet Chief Executive Sundar Pichai last year acknowledged that the company gathers more data than necessary for ads and committed to minimize its collection. -- © Copyright Reuters 2020-06-25 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HighPriority Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 Geez, I feel all warm and fuzzy now... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
techietraveller84 Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 18 months is plenty of history for a skilled online snoop to find pretty much all they need to know about you. Not much comfort there. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unblocktheplanet Posted June 26, 2020 Share Posted June 26, 2020 (edited) Should be a DAILY option with a DELETE button self-activated by users whenever they feel the need. Edited June 26, 2020 by unblocktheplanet spelling Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krataiboy Posted June 26, 2020 Share Posted June 26, 2020 Too little too late. Data is the new oil - and social media giants have made fortunes selling ours without passing anything on in appreciation This is unethical and unfair. We need new privacy laws limiting rights to our own personal information. We should be able to decide if it can be passed on and to whom and be entitled to a copyright fee if it is sold. Could be a nice little earner! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now