What Does Google Know About ME?

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In today's digital world, Google provides many free services like Gmail, Google Maps, and YouTube. But how does Google offer these services for free? It collects data from users to improve its services and sell targeting advertising. This data collection is an ethical trade-off we agree to every time we use Google.

In this blog, I'll explore what Google knows about me, how it uses that data, and tips for protecting my privacy.


What does Google know about?

I checked my Google Activity and Timeline, which track the data Google collects about me, like my search history locations I've visited, and interaction with apps like Gmail and YouTube. Google also knows my interests and preferences based on my search activity. After reviewing this, I decided to make some changes to my Activity Controls. For example, I paused my Location History and Web & App Activity to limit Google's tracking in the future.

Ad Personalization: Were they turned on?

Yes, they were turned on. Google uses my data to show me ads based on my interests and online behavior. For example, after searching for vacation destinations, I saw ads for travel websites. While these ads were accurate, I'd prefer to limit how much Google tracks me for ads.

Why is it important to protect yourself online?

It's important to protect your online privacy because your data can be misused. If companies like Google collect too much personal data, it can be sold or used to manipulate you through targeted ads. Worse, hackers could steal this data, leading to identity theft or financial loss.

How does Google use my data?

Google uses my data to enhance user experience, like providing personalized search results or location-based recommendations. It also uses my data to sell targeted advertising, which is how Google makes money. I'd prefer that Google use my data anonymously to improve services without selling ads based on my personal information.

What are you comfortable with companies knowing about you?

I'm comfortable with companies knowing basic information like my search history and location. However, I don't want companies to know sensitive details like my health, financial info, or private communications unless absolutely necessary. 

COPPA and FERPA in education

COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act) and FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) are laws that protect students' data.. Coppa prevents companies from collecting data from children under 13 without parental consent, while FERPA ensures that student education records are kept private. Google complies with these laws by not using student data for advertising in educational products.

How does Google comply with these laws?

Google complies with CORPA and FERMA in educational settings by ensuring that data collected from students is only used for educational purposes and not for advertising. (Google's Education Privacy page: Privacy & Security Center - Google for Education)

Tips to protect your privacy

Through my research, I found three important strategies for protecting your data:

1. Review and adjust privacy settings: limit what Google tracks by turning off Location History and Web & App Activity. (Link: Take a Privacy Checkup - Google Account Help)

2. Use Incognito Mode: Browsing in Incognito Mode on Chrome ensures Google doesn't save your browsing history. (Link: Browse in Incognito mode - Computer - Google Chrome Help)

3. Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic, offering more privacy. (Link: Top 7 Best VPNs in USA 2025)

Comparing Google with Facebook's data collection

When comparing Google to Facebook, both companies collect data for targeted advertising. However, Google focuses more on search, location, and video activity, while Facebook tracks social interactions, posts, and engagement. Both platforms have faced privacy concerns, but Facebook has been criticized more for its handling of personal data. 

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