It's no secret that Google knows a lot about you. It recently made headlines when the internet realised every time someone speaks to Google, it records their voice. And you can listen back to it. But that isn't the only bit of Google data that users with the right know-how can track down.
One of the more interesting places to check out what Google really knows about you is to head over to its ad settings page where (if you're signed into your Google account) you'll see a profile Google has built for you based on your search history, YouTube history and interests. So, for example, it might know that you're female, aged 18-24 and interested in banking, consumer electronics, mobile phones, shooter games, rap and hip hop and toys.
Google doesn't make a huge song and dance about its in-depth knowledge of its users, but at the same time it doesn't keep it a secret either. Here's how to find out what Google knows and take control of your data.
Google saves every voice search
Google records what you say every time you speak to it
Google's voice search-saving habits have been reported on many times.
Anyone who use Google's voice search or the voice-activated assistant, Google Now, have their searches stored so that more relevant ads are served and search features are steadily improved -- in the same way you'd expect from regular Google search.
And a lot of people don't realise that many of these searches are actually recorded. This means users are able to listen back to exactly what they searched for by listening to what they said and how they said it.
How to delete it:
If you've used any of Google's opt-in voice features for yourself, then head to Google's Voice & Audio Activity page to review your voice searches and listen back to them. Be warned, this could be interesting, funny or just plain cringe-worthy.
To delete this database of embarrassing searches select one or more of the recordings from the check box beside them and then click "delete" at the top of the screen.
Google saves all your searches
Probably the least surprising of the lot, but Google has all of your search history stored up.
How to delete it:
If you'd rather not have a list of ridiculous search queries stored up, sign into your Gmail account, click on the dots in 3 by 3 row and column on the top right hand corner of your account, now click on my account job click on personal info and privacy then head to manage Google activity.
If you want to stop Google tracking your searches for good, head to the activity controls page and toggle tracking off.
Google tracks and records your location
Use Google's location services? Then your every move is being tracked and mapped
As well as recording your searches and your voice, Google has also been keeping tabs on your location.
Google's location history, or timeline page, serves up a Google Map and allows you to select specific dates and times and see where you were. Its accuracy depends on whether you were signed into your Google account and carrying a phone or tablet at the time.
How to delete it: When you visit the timeline page you can hit the settings log in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen and select delete all from there.
There's also the option to pause location history by hitting the big button in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen.
But this one is a little trickier to completely get rid of, because to stop it happening in future you'll need to opt out of both location tracking and location reporting with your device -- whether you're running Android or iOS.
Delete all your online accounts
The website uses Google's OAuth protocol to delete your online presence
Deseat.me
If you've ever wanted to remove yourself (almost) entirely from the internet, Swedish website Deseat.me uses your Google account to help.
Using Google's OAuth protocol, which allows third-party users to access your other accounts without finding out your password details, Deseat.me brings up all your online and social media accounts and allows you to delete yourself from them.
How to delete it: Visit Deseat.me and input your Gmail address. It will bring up all the online accounts linked to that email address and allow you to get rid of them.
The Snooper's Charter
What is the IP Act and how will it affect you?
What is the IP Act and how will it affect you?
It’s not just Google that can see everything you do on the internet. The Snooper’s Charter, or the Investigatory Powers Bill as it is formerly known, has been passed by both Houses of Parliament and is set to become law.
Under the bill, security forces will be able to access internet history data when it is needed to help their investigations and this data will be stored for a total of 12 months in order to utilise it. 48 public authorities can access the data including police forces all over the UK, Secret Intelligence Service, GCHQand the Home Office. Being aware of your online activity has never been more imperative.
Source: Wired
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