Google's Data Collection

Use the following resources to understand and control how Google collects your data:

Google's Privacy Dashboard

In the recent social awakening to the data collection machine that is Big Tech, Google has introduced a comprehensive dashboard to understand what data is being collected, and why. I highly recommend reading spending time going through this dashboard and decide which features you are willing to give up privacy for and which ones you are not. THis dashboard includes tools to opt out of data collection programs you are not comfortable with. I especially found the following features useful:
  • Listening to and managing all of Google's recorded voice data (goes way back)
  • Learning which stored data is and can be used for advertisement
  • Understanding the full breadth of Google's location collection

What Exactly Is Being Collected?

A lot of this information is directly from Google's Privacy Dashboard, so once again go check that dashboard for detaileld information.
  • Name
  • Phone Number
  • Email Address
  • Payment Information
  • Unique Identifiers - used when not signed into google
  • Browser Information
  • Device Information
  • Operating System Information
  • Network Information
  • Interactions With Advertisements
  • Voice and Audio Information
  • Purchases
  • "People with whom you communicate or share content"
  • "Activity on third-party sites and apps that use our services"
  • "Voice and audio information"
  • "Views and interactions with content and ads"

Who Gets This Data?

  • Advertisers will not use information related to the following categories: race, religion, sexual orientation, or health
  • Advertisers will not use informaton from the following sources: Drive, Gmail, or Photos
  • Advertisers will not be able to personally identify you