When you use Google products such as Search, YouTube, and Maps, Google collects and stores your data. Have you ever pondered what they do with this information, or if you can access it?
Should you be concerned?
Google operates in the data industry. Although you may use their services for free, you must provide Google with personal data if you use their products, such as where you’ve searched, what you’ve viewed, how long you stay on a site, and which links you click. Here’s how to find this data, known as Google My Activity, and control how much and how long the business saves your online activity information.’
Google logs practically everything you do on applications, websites, and other services associated with your Google account. This information is gathered and saved in an online profile known as “My Activity.”
In the sections that follow, we’ll explain what “Google My Activity” is and how you may use the tool to control Google’s data gathering and activity.
What is Google My Activity?
Consider your hospital medical records for a second. It often includes information on your hospital visits and admissions, habits and allergies, medication history, test findings, previous and current diagnoses, and so on. The more information a hospital has about your medical history and habits, the more accurately and quickly the doctor can diagnose and treat you.
This is similar to the objective of Google My Activity. It stores information on your online activity and interactions with Google’s services my activity google.
Google My Activity (or just My Activity) is a repository of your Google data. It’s also a tool that allows you to view and manage the data Google collects when you use its products and services. As Google describes it, is intended to “put you in control of your data.”
With Activity, you can choose how much (or how little) of your information and online activity Google can access.
Before we teach you how to use the application to manage your data, let’s take a look at some of the information Google collects each time you use any of its products or services.
What Data Does Google Collect?
Google collects data for a variety of purposes. However, the primary goal of data collecting is to enhance services and give a more personalized experience (for example, tailored ads and search results). On its Privacy Policy website, you can find out more about why Google collects data my activity google.
Google collects the following types of data when you use its services:
- Search terms (on YouTube and Google).
- Videos that you watch.
- Advertisements that you view or click.
- Location information and history (places you’ve gone and visited).
- Tools for accessing Google services (browser information, applications, devices, etc.)
Sites you visit.
Typically, this information is divided into three sections. Knowing how to use the page and manage your data can assist you.
1. Web and App Activity: You can find your Google Search history, Google Chrome browsing history, and websites you visit using other Google account-connected apps here. In addition, audio recordings of your voice searches (on Google Maps and Google Search), map navigations, and conversations with the Google Assistant are saved in this category.
Your IP address, the ads you click, and the things you buy on an advertiser’s web site are other information saved on this page. If you have an Android device, Google will record information about it (battery level, installed apps, system issues, and so on) in this area of the My Activity page.
2. YouTube History: This part contains information on your YouTube activity, such as the videos you search for, the videos you watch, the day and time you watched them, and the devices you used to watch them.
3. Location History: If you use an Android smartphone with location services enabled, Google will store the places you visit even if you aren’t using a Google product. Google collects your location (in real time) on iOS devices via the specialized Google app.
Disabling YouTube History, for example, means you will no longer get suggestions while searching for videos. Similarly, YouTube will cease suggesting videos it believes you would like.
When you disable Location History, Google will stop offering you commuting hints (in Maps), as well as recommendations and ads about places you’ve been/visited.
Discover and Control Your Online Activity Data.
Google My Activity is accessible on both mobile devices and computers. Learn how to manage and see your data with Google on Android, iOS, and PC by following the instructions below.
Use on PC.
1. Open your chosen web browser and visit the Google Activity website (or enter myactivity.google.com into your browser’s address bar).
If you haven’t already logged in to your Google account, you may be prompted to.
2. On the Activity dashboard, look for the aforementioned categories (Web & App Activity, Location History, and YouTube History).
Scroll to the bottom of the dashboard to get an overview of all recently used Google applications and services, including Maps, Google search history, and websites you’ve visited.
To find out more about an activity or thing, click the three-dot menu symbol and choose Details.
Check Your Google Online Activity and Search
Otherwise, click Delete to erase it permanently from Google’s database.
The Item details page has detailed information about the activity.
Search for your Google online activity.
If you looked for “Best Pet Stores in New York” on Google, the Item Details page will show you exactly when and what day you searched, along with the device you used.
Do You Want Google to Stop Collecting Your Data? Here’s What to Do.
As previously stated, you may utilize the feature to minimize or fully disable Google’s data collection. All you have to do is turn off data collection for all three categories: Web and app activity, location history, and YouTube history.
In the upper-left portion of the screen, click the hamburger menu symbol and then select Activity Controls.
Activity management for Google My Activity
- Go through the data settings on the page and turn each one off.
Google My Activity covers web and app activity. - Return to the home page and tap the Delete drop-down option to delete all previously saved web activities.
- [10-delete-google-activity.png]
How to filter and delete information gathered in Google Activity. - In the Delete Activity box, select the All Time option.
Delete the Activity Pane
To continue, ensure that the Select All box is checked and then click Next my activity google.
Select All Google Products
Set up an automatic data deletion schedule.
Google offers an auto-delete feature to clear your account data. Scroll to the data group and select Auto-delete.
How to Configure Auto-Select
Select one of the Auto-delete choices and then click Next. Google only enables users to delete data older than three, eighteen, or thirty-six months. You may choose from among various auto-deletes.
Use Google for iOS.
The Google app may also be used to access the function on an iPhone or iPad.
1. Launch the Google app and tap the profile symbol in the upper right corner.
Another method to access the information gathered by Google.
2. Select the Manage Your Google Account option.
Tap Account Management.
3. Select Personal Information & Privacy.
Go to Personal Information and Privacy.
4. Select Activity Controls beneath Manage Your Google Activity.
Activity controls are found under Personal information and privacy.
The resultant page will enable you to manage data stored in your Google account.
A smartphone with a Google bar showing.
Use Google for Android.
If you have an Android smartphone or tablet, here’s what you need to do my activity history.
1. Navigate to Settings and select Google.
Go to Settings and choose Google.
2. Select the Manage Your Google Account option.
Where can you manage your Google account?
3. Navigate to the Data & Personalization menu and select Manage your activity controls.
Google’s Manage Account Profile’s Data and Personalization tab
This will launch the Activity control page, where you may access the data recorded by Google across all services you have used.
What Happens When You Remove or Disable Google’s Data Collection Features?
Google gathers these (and other) data automatically for all Google accounts by default. However, you have the option to reduce or stop data collection completely. If you prefer not to have your details saved in Google’s database, you may delete your online activity history from the page. But what happens when you do this?
Denying Google access to your data has no significant consequences. You will enjoy the fundamental features of Google’s services, just like any other user. However, you will lose access to customized features, advertisements, and suggestions.
Why Should You Be Concerned About the Data Google Collects on Your Activities?
You’ve presumably had your Google account(s) for many years. It only makes sense to understand how much data you’re giving Google, what it knows about you, and how it manages your information. Right?
Interestingly, Google is open about its data collection methods and policies. Even better, Google gives you (and a billion other users) genuine control over your data. You may opt in and out of any form of data collection at any time; you have complete control over your data my activity history.
Although preserving your account activity allows Google to enhance and customize your experience, it may be creepy and frustrating at times. If you search “to diaper a baby” on Google or YouTube, you are bound to see endless adverts from various diaper companies on each app or website you visit my activity google.com.
If you are unhappy with the quantity of personal information collected by Google or how your data is used to serve targeted adverts to you, you may utilize the tool. Use it to safeguard your data and maintain your online privacy.
