Google just made two big privacy changes you need to know right now

Google just made two large privacy changes you need to know right now

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Google Maps and other Google-operated services will start automatically deleting your location history after eighteen months, the company announced in a privacy-themed blog post on Wednesday.

While the 18-month death already existed as an option for stored personal data, Google said information technology will no longer shop user data an indefinite menses of time by default.

Instead, location history will be erased after xviii months unless told otherwise, while web and app activity volition too auto-delete for new accounts.

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You can still assign your Google location history to delete every 3 months, or not delete at all, if you'd like. But 18 months volition now exist the deletion setting past default.

So even if y'all know how to activate or deactivate your Google location history, Google'southward new privacy move takes some of the responsibleness off its users. Information technology too supports the company's efforts to rebuild trust after facing a backlash terminal year when anybody realized Google services automatically save location information.

In that location are arguments for and against keeping your Google location history around. On the plus side, if Google knows your home accost and the locations you lot visit almost, it's able to ready navigation between those spots hands.

But others would prefer Google non remember every place they become, especially in case their account is hacked. Some folks also want to avoid targeted ads.

"We proceed to challenge ourselves to do more with less, and today nosotros're changing our data retention practices to make auto-delete the default for our core action settings," Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai wrote in the web log postal service.

Google will also be making incognito way easier to launch for Google Maps, Google Search and Google Maps. Starting for iPhone users today, and coming to Android users afterward, a long press on a contour flick will enable incognito way.

"Privacy is personal, which is why we're always working to give yous control on your terms — whether that's helping you manage your settings with proactive tools in your Google Account, or making those settings easier to observe in our products," wrote Pichai.

Kate Kozuch is a senior writer at Tom'south Guide covering wearables, TVs and everything smart-home related. When she's non in cyborg mode, you can observe her on an practise bike or channeling her inner celebrity chef. She and her robot army will rule the world 1 day, but until then, reach her at kate.kozuch@futurenet.com.