Archives - Google


Be mindful of Google Chrome’s privacy settings

Google Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers. It also has a complex sign-in system that might result in more of your data being collected than you had intended. Starting in September 2018, Chrome will sign you into the browser itself if you log into any Google services – e.g., Gmail, YouTube, etc. […]

Avoid unofficial app sources on Android

Android devices provide considerable flexibility in how you download software. In addition to official stores run by Google and OEMs like Samsung, there are third-party storefronts offering many apps that never underwent any security screening. Stick to the main options to avoid installing compromised apps.

Remove old search results about yourself

Someone looking up your name on a search engine like Google might find results related to your previous jobs and addresses, along with information about your relatives. This data could be used against you, for example in determining the answers to security questions. Luckily, Google offers a URL removal tool for requesting takedowns of specific […]

Beyond Facebook – How targeted advertising works across the web

At some point when using a web browser, you’ve probably had the following experience: You look something up in a search engine and click a few links to product pages, review sites, etc. You then navigate to another website, like Facebook or someone’s blog, seemingly unrelated to that previous search. There, you notice specific advertisements […]

Consider alternatives to Google

Google is a unique resource, albeit one with some significant drawbacks in terms of how extensively it catalogs your activities, from your search history to your geolocation. The privacy-focused search engine DuckDuckGo offers similar results with no tracking, reducing the risk of sensitive data falling into the wrong hands.

Understanding app permissions and how they affect your data

You’ve probably seen it before, if only for a brief moment while installing an app or trying to use one of its video or photo features for the first time: a list of permissions the program wants from your device. Depending on the application, you may be asked to approve its access to your contacts, […]