We all hear unnerving stories about how internet giants keep masses of data on all of us, but they aren’t as far removed from the reality of the situation as you might think. Google, for instance, knows quite a lot more about you than you realize.
With that being said, it does offer a number of ways to limit how much you are tracked, as well as control over the ads you see. These can be accessed via the search engine’s “My Activity” page, which is a digital dashboard that gives you a snapshot of all the data that it has gathered on you.
Click here to get started:
When You First Log In
The first thing you’ll be presented with when you log in is a timeline of your activity using Google’s various products such as the search engine itself, your Google Chrome web browsing history or Google Maps. The privacy settings that you currently have enabled on Google determine what is displayed on the timeline.
How to See the Full Picture
Seeing as the full picture of what Google knows about you might be obscured due to your privacy settings, you’ll need to point to the Menu icon in the upper left-hand corner of your screen and select Other Google Activity to find any additional data that Google has been gathering.
An example of this is your location history. All of the places that you’ve visited while being signed in to Google Maps (this will most likely happen when you’ve been using your smartphone to find your way around somewhere) will appear here.
Deleting Your Activity
There are several methods that you can employ to delete your data from your My Activity page. You’ll find three vertical dots next to each individual item in the Other Google Activity page. All you need to do to begin deleting your data is to click on them. A menu will appear giving you the option to delete an individual item from your Google history permanently.
You can also search by product or topic using the search bar, and delete it via the three dots once you’ve found it.
Last but not least, you can also delete by date. Simply click the three vertical dots at the top of your screen and selected Delete Activity By. This option also allows you to delete data from “all time”.
Limit Your Data from Being Saved
So you’ve deleted the activity you wished to, and now you’re probably wondering how to stop Google from collecting your data in the future.
All you need to do is click on the menu icon in the upper left-hand corner and select Activity Controls to edit your preferences for the following:
• Web & app activity
• Location history
• Device information
• Voice & audio activity
• YouTube search history
• YouTube watch history
At this point, it’s also a good idea to run Google’s Privacy Checkup tool to review your privacy settings and just them to how you want them. And there you have it!
5 Programs You Should Remove from Your Computer
This article specifies 5 programs that most people don't need on their computers and how to get rid of them.
Malware Is Harmful to Your Computer. Here's How to Stop It
Is your computer slow, getting weird messages or even threats? It's likely that you have malware. Don't fret, however - here's all you need to know about it.
Guide to Chat GPT: What It Is and How to Use It
This beginner's guide to Chat GPT will help you take your first steps in using this helpful chatbot.
10 Easy and Fun Drawing Tutorials For Kids and Beginners
If you need a creative activity to keep the little ones engaged, look no further than these 10 fun and easy animal drawing tutorials!
Learn the Basics of Using a Computer With These Guides!
Windows computers are the most commonly used throughout the world. Fear is the primary obstacle in seniors towards using them. Here are 7 basic video tutorials.
Read Our Comprehensive Guide to Using Google Translate
Of the many Google tricks out there, Google translate is by far one of the most useful. Read this free guide to learn exactly how to make use of it.
Keep Your Calorie Intake in Check with These FREE Apps
Keep your calorie intake in check with these awesome free apps.
Most People Don’t Know These New WhatsApp Tricks (2024)
These new WhatsApp tricks and hacks are a lifesaver!
Most People Don’t Know About These Google Maps Features
Google Maps has a ton of new features that most people don’t know about.
This One Computer Key Is Used for a Myriad of Shortcuts!
The 'Win' key is usally thought to only bring up the start menu. It actually does a whole lot more. Get a load of these dozens of shortcuts!
Never Lose Your WhatsApp Chats Again with These Hacks!
Protect your WhatsApp chats with these tips.
Guide: How to Protect Your Eyes When On the Computer
Eye strain can be a serious problem if you work at a computer for long hours each day. Luckily, there are various things you can do in order to prevent it.
7 Apps You Don’t Need on Your Phone!
Experts advise against installing apps like the seven we mention here for security reasons...
Why Fake Info is Best for These 6 Types of Sites
Always avoid giving your real information on these kinds of websites.
The New Wi-Fi is Here! This is Why You Should Try It…
Wi-Fi 7 is here, and it can change the way you use the internet!
Your Phone Battery Doesn’t Last All Day? This Might Be Why
Is your phone's battery dead again before you know it? Here are 8 potential causes that could be draining your phone's battery life...
This Site Will Allow You to Copy the Text Off Any Photo!
We are here to introduce you to a website that can assist in such situations by extracting text from images for easy editing, copying, recording and distribution.
7 UNDISCOVERED Apps That are NOT on the Google Play Store!
I can’t believe I never knew about these handy Android apps.
The Windows Recycle Bin Isn’t Just for Trash—Here’s Why
Did you know about these cool features of the Windows Recycle Bin?
We Found These Awesome Sites for Reading Short Stories!
These are the best places to read short stories online.
Read Our Beginner's Guide to Microsoft Word Here
Get the most out of the most widely-used word-processing application in the world, with our simple beginner's guide to Microsoft Word.
Want Windows on Your Mac? It's Now Free!
Need to install Windows 10 on your Mac? It’s quite easy, actually.
Minimize Exposure to Cellphone Radiation with This Guide
Our cellphones can be harmful to our health because of the radiation that they give off. Learn these 14 ways of minimizing your risk of exposure to it.
These Shortcuts Make Using My PC SO Easy!
Shortcuts make life easier in many parts of life, and computing is no different. Here we'll show you how your keyboard can be used to speed things up.
GUIDE: What to Do if Your Online Accounts Have Been Hacked
If you suspect that your account has been compromised or if it becomes evident that it has indeed been hacked, there are certain steps you should take.
I Never Knew Repairing a Smartphone Was So Simple!
Having phone trouble? Here are 6 of the most common smartphone issues and exactly how you can fix them.
5 New Windows 11 Features You Don’t Know About
You may have missed these new Windows 11 features.
7 Clear Indicators Your Home Router Needs to Be Changed
Is your router in need of an upgrade? Watch out for these signs.
Guide: Download All Google Photos in a Few Clicks!
Want to download all your Google your photos and videos in a few clicks? Watch this…
How to Identify an Online Scam Email
Phishing emails are a common way of stealing information, but you can avoid them if you follow these tips that'll help you identify them
Not Sure What to Watch Next? Try These 8 Helpful Sites
Not sure what to watch next? Try these helpful sites.
You Didn’t Realize it, But AI Is Making Your Life Better!
Here are thirteen unique ways AI can simplify daily life.
How to Download Free Windows Software Securely – 7 Tools
Here’s how you can download free Windows software safely and securely.
Make Your Old Phone Run Faster and Better With These Tips
Is your old Android phone running slow? Don’t worry; just try these tips to revive it.
What Happens When Two AIs Speak to Each Other?
In this video, we witness the latest version of ChatGPT - 4o - Speak to each other and even sing along!
6 Unnecessary Windows Programs You Should Uninstall
Your Windows PC could be filled with unwanted and outdated apps and programs... Delete them today.
It's Finally Here! iOS 18's Game-Changing New Features
Here's what's new and exciting in iOS 18!
Learn All About the Different File Types on Your Computer
Computer extensions can have such confusing names and functions. If you're like me, you will appreciate this guide to 12 different file types!
Smishing 101: How to Recognize Scam Text Messages
This is how you recognize and handle fraudulent or scam text messages, also known as smashing.
Guide: How to Sign a PDF Without Printing it First
This guide will teach you how to sign PDF files digitally without having to print them.
10 New Smartphone Scams You Should Know About in 2024!
Keep your smartphone safe from these scams in 2024!
Tech: Busting Some of the Worst Malware Misconceptions
Misconceptions and myths about malware can be confusing. Here, we debunk 8 absurd malware myths.
PowerToys: The Best Free Microsoft App for Windows Users
In this article, we'll introduce you to this toolbox and show you which 23 useful tools are waiting for you there.
6 Ways You're Killing Your PC Without Realizing It
Want your PC to last longer? Stop making these mistakes now!
Is Google Going to Demand Payment for Its New Searches?
Google might start charging for access to search results that use generative artificial intelligence tools.
ChatGPT's Got Competition: 7 Exciting AI Contenders
Looking for a ChatGPT alternative? Here are a few good ones.
Master AliExpress Shopping with These Expert Tips
Here’s how to shop smart and save on AliExpress.