Google creates My Account and Answers sites to give users greater control over their privacy

2 Jun 2015

Google reveals new resources to better manage privacy

Google has created a centralised place for web users to have better control over their privacy and security called My Account, as well as a site that candidly answers all questions about privacy and what Google does with data.

The purpose of My Account is to give users controls to keep their information safe.

At Google I/O last week, the internet giant said users will have more control of app permissions, for example, in Android M when it is released this year.

As well as My Account, Google is also rolling out a new site that answers questions about privacy and security on Google.

My Account features a Privacy Check-up and Security Check-up feature that helps users go through privacy and security settings step-by-step.

Tweak your privacy settings

Ad-settings tools will help users tweak ads to be more relevant to them, while users will be able to manage data in Search, YouTube and other products to improve their experience.

For example, users can turn on and off settings such as Web and App Activity, which enable faster, more relevant results, while Location History can enable Google Maps and Now to give tips for a faster commute home.

According to a recent Pew study, 93pc of people think it’s important to control access to their personal information, and 90pc care about the type of information that’s collected about them. However, only 9pc feel they have “a lot” of control over it.

“We listen to feedback from people around the world to better understand their concerns about privacy and security,” said Guemmy Kim, product manager of account controls and settings at Google.

“In addition to My Account, we want to help people find answers to common questions on topics such as: ‘What data does Google collect? What does Google do with the data it collects? What tools do I have to control my Google experience?’

“Our new site candidly answers these questions, and more. We also explain how we show relevant ads without selling your personal information, how encryption and spam filtering help keep your data safe, and how your information helps customise your experience on Google.

“When you trust your personal information with us, you should expect powerful controls that keep it safe and private as well as useful answers to your questions when you have them.”

Google image via Shutterstock

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com