Google Will Now Delete Your Data Automatically

By  Dave Parrack

You can now force Google to automatically delete your data after a set period of time. This should save you from having to delete said data manually. Initially, Google’s auto-delete controls are available for your Location History and Web & App Activity.

How to Auto-Delete Your Google Data

In a post on The Keyword, Google explains how and why it’s introducing auto-delete controls for your data. The company explains that it collects data in order to “make Google products more useful for you”. And there is some truth to this.

Of course, you don’t have to give Google your data. If you’re happy using the company’s products on an ad hoc basis you can stop Google from saving your data. But what if you appreciate some level of personalization but don’t want Google to store that data forever?

Until now, the only option you had was to manually delete your data. Once a week, once a month, or whatever. Now, with the new auto-delete controls, you can have Google delete your data after three months or 18 months without you having to lift a finger.

All you need to do is log in to your Google account and tap Manage Your Google Account. Then tap Data & Personalization and find Activity Controls. Tap Manage Your Activity Controls and then Manage Activity.

The new auto-delete controls are available for Web & App Activity and Location History. So, when you tap Manage Activity under these two headings you can Choose to Delete Automatically. You can then choose how long Google will retain your data.

Be Aware of How Your Data Is Being Used

Everyone should be more aware of how the data they generate while online is being used. These auto-delete controls—which is Google trying to bridge the gap between personalization and privacy—suggest the company is taking people’s concerns seriously.

Even if you’re not concerned about how companies such as Google are using your data, there’s always a chance that data will escape into the wider world. So, with that in mind, here are some simple ways to protect your data before the hackers succeed.

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Source: www.makeuseof.com