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You can force Google to automatically delete your web activity – here’s how

Google is rolling out a feature that will automatically delete some of the information it has on you. The new feature gives you more control over your data.

google searches south africa 2018

Photo: Pexels

Hopefully, you’re aware that every time you use a Google service, your usage history and data is being stored on a server somewhere.

If you’re one of the few super security conscious users out there’s who’s been manually deleting the activity data Google has been keeping about them, we salute you.

For everyone else, the folks at Google have made it a little easier for us to manage what information Google is keeping about us and for how long with a useful feature that will automatically delete your old data for you.

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Control your data

Your data belongs to you. And it’s about time that companies start giving control to users who don’t want their usage history to live on forever.

If you want to enable the feature, follow the steps below:

  • Go to myaccount.google.com and login if you haven’t already.
  • Choose “Data and/or Privacy & Personalization” on the left-side panel.
  • Select the arrow next to “Web & App Activity.”
  • Choose “Manage Activity.” – scroll down and be horrified at how much information Google is storing about you
  • Select “Choose to delete automatically.”
  • Select either 18 months or three months.

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It may affect your Google experience

It uses your “Web and App Activity” to tailor your experience with their apps and search. There’s a possibility that limiting your history to only three months could result in Google serving up some less relevant content in the future.

So, choose well. Or at least bear this in mind if you keep less data and you have any degradation in your user experience. Though three months should be plenty.

The activity you keep can also improve your experience anywhere you use your account. What you search, read and watch can work together to help you get things done faster. It also helps you discover new content.

In addition, Google promised that they will make these settings more accessible inside of their apps. They will soon be launching a similar method for users to manage the way Google tracks and stores your location history.

Also read – Google expands its commitment to digital wellbeing