It's likely that you use Google for searches multiple times every day.
"When faced with an unexpected query, the first thing you open is Google," stated Google user Christine Leos.
However, what are you relinquishing?
"I believe we should maintain our right to privacy. It can certainly be advantageous in certain scenarios," Leos stated.
For many years, "cookies" have gathered data whenever you visit web pages, yet these cookies can be removed. However, technology professionals warn that "Google fingerprinting" cannot be erased and penetrates more deeply into user details.
"Gerald Kasulis from Nord Security explained that Google’s approach involves gathering detailed specifics regarding your hardware device rather than tracking browsing habits and locations. This includes details such as which extensions you use, the kind of web browser you prefer, the types of applications running on various devices like phones, laptops, gaming consoles, or TVs," he stated.
Kasulis explains that Google tracking occurs whenever you "Google" or utilize the Google Chrome browser, regardless of whether you're logged into your Google account. This process collects significant information like IP addresses and geographic locations along with distinctive features of your devices, such as screen resolution and browser configurations.
Kasulis pointed out that despite your wishes, deletion isn’t possible. The lack of control remains because Google has access to gather this data. They have the capability to amass personal details about you and then share them with advertisers for generating a distinct profile of who you are as an individual.
Google maintains that it does not sell personal information to third parties, but it utilizes data to deliver more targeted advertisements.
When asked about his feelings regarding the information Google tracks, user Manuel Quintal stated, "I feel somewhat uneasy since I'm not sure when this data might be exposed."
Google claims it frequently removes your online activity data, such as searches and viewed content. Regarding the revised method of collecting information, Google stated it is establishing stringent privacy standards, noting, “Our platform policies have been amended to incorporate new privacy-enhancing technologies that reduce risks and facilitate the development of emerging platforms like connected TVs.”
Google mentioned that these modifications enhance protection against deceptive advertisements. The company explained that Internet Protocol (IP) location addresses can help combat spam and fraudulent activities. Additionally, Google stated that IPs are frequently utilized in advertising, emphasizing that partners should remain completely open with users regarding the data collected and its usage.
Kasulis states that a Virtual Private Network, orVPN, can conceal your IP address and precise whereabouts.
Kasulis stated, "A VPN will prevent this, allowing you to choose any location."
Kasulis said you can also help keep your identity safe when you "disable any type of plugins that you might have on your browser that you might not need. So, any extensions you have, for instance, that would be one of the identifiers."
Technology professionals indicate that you can explore alternative browsers beyond Chrome, which assert they perform less tracking. However, completely escaping these practices might still prove challenging because Google remains the predominant search engine in use.
Therefore, will people continue using Google, or will they migrate to another browser?
"I've been using Google throughout my entire life. Regardless of everything, I'll continue to use Google," Quintal stated.