Q. Is it true that Google keeps a record of every search I've ever made? If so, is there any way to clear my search history? And what the heck are they doing with all my information?
-Victoria from Bakersfield, CA, listens to mylocation, age, shopping habits, hobbies, medical conditions - it's all up for grabs.
-Victoria from Bakersfield, CA, listens to mylocation, age, shopping habits, hobbies, medical conditions - it's all up for grabs.
Google uses this information to customize your search results and generate those targeted ads you see around the Internet.
But it's not just ad companies getting access to your information. If you've been following myBreaking News page, you know that Google regularly shares your information with the government, too.
Now there's word that Google will soon be using people's names and faces to further "personalize" targeted ads. As you can imagine, lots of folks aren't too keen on the idea of their face showing up in ads.
If you don't want Google to track your searches, there are steps you can take to secure your information. I'll show you how to delete your search history and stop Google from recording your every move.
Google Web history shows you every search you've ever done, organized by date. You have the option to delete individual searches, or clear your entire search history.
To delete specific searches, tick the checkbox next to the search you want to remove. Then click the "Remove items" button at the top of the page.
To delete your entire Google search history, tick the checkbox next to the Remove Items button. This will select every item in the history.
Then click the Remove Items button.
Or you can click the gear icon at the top right of the page and select Settings. In the text, click the "Delete all" link. Then click on the "Delete all" button to confirm.
That's great, but won't Google just record your new searches? It will unless you turn off Web history entirely.
Click the gear icon on your Web History page and select Settings. Next to where it says "Web history is on" click the Turn Off button.
Of course, this won't automatically wipe out your search information. Google will continue to store your information for audits and internal use.
However, it won't be used to create targeted ads or customize your searches. It also means someone snooping on your computer won't be able to stumble across it.
Even if you don't have a Google account, Google still records your information by storing cookies in your browser. You can delete cookies with a free tool like CCleaner.
However, Google store new cookies - and collect new information - when you start searching again.
If you want to stop targeted ads altogether, visit the Google Ads Settings page and select the opt-out setting.
If you're still worried about Google from tracking your private information, you can always stop using its services.
There is no complete alternative to YouTube, but there are plenty of good search sites that don't collect your information.
If you're not ready to give up on Google just yet, I have more great tips to protect your privacy on Google in this must-read tip.
Google isn't the only threat to your digital privacy. Here are three more security threats, and the tools you need to stop them.
- Your favorite app could be selling your private information. Click here to stop apps from sharing your private health information.
- Is Facebook's new search feature revealing too much about you? Click here to stop Facebook's Graph Search from exposing your past posts.
- Could someone hack your household gadgets? You bet. Click here to find out how household appliances will spy on you.
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