Is Google Spying on You?

Learn What Data Google Collects From You and What They Do With It.

Ever had a feeling your phone was listening in on your private conversations? Suddenly the sleek new iPhone you mentioned to a friend starts appearing in a slew of advertisements clearly targeted directly at you. Though it may seem like you’re being spied on, Google states it only uses the information you willingly share with it. For example, if you conduct a search for the best dog food, Google may conclude you’re a dog owner and will add this to the profile it has built around you.

Google’s data collection practices are nothing new. In fact, most companies you interact with use some form of web tracking technology to collect data about your online habits and preferences. This helps businesses narrow down their customer base and identify how they can tailor their product or service to that specific customer, thereby helping them improve retention and overall sales. Makes sense right?

So if everyone is doing it, why are we so irked with Google?

The issue lies in how and how much information is being collected. Turns out, people don’t like feeling exposed and powerless over what’s done with their private information.

It’s one thing to know all of this upfront, but Google tends to be sneaky in its approach. Sure, the information is written in Google’s privacy policy, but most of us don’t bother to read the fine print.

What information does Google collect about you?

Google collects all kinds of information about you. Some of it you provide directly when you set up your Google account, and other information is collected indirectly as you use its suite of services and applications.

Google collects information about your:

• Personal Interests
• Age, gender, languages you speak.
• Purchase history & spending budget.
• Location
  Including places you’ve traveled to and searched for.
• Inbox
  Emails you send, emails sent to you, including what you mark as junk or spam.
• Activity in apps
  Like Google Docs, Calendar, Youtube, etc.
• Voice & audio information.
  For example, Google explains, “When your device detects an audio activation command, like “Hey Google,” Google records your voice and audio plus a few seconds before the activation.”

What does Google do with your private data?

Google claims to use your data to deliver better services, develop new products and services, and provide a personalized experience. But what does this actually mean?

Does Google Sell Your Private Information?

You may be surprised to learn that Google is not a data broker. Google’s data privacy policy states “Google does not share your personal information with companies, organizations, or individuals outside of Google except when:

• You give consent.
• You’re using a domain administrator, such as a work or student account.
• It is shared with Google affiliates for external processing.
• It is required for legal reasons.

So Where do Google’s Profits Come From?

Google has to make money somehow. And generally speaking, more data equals more money for businesses. So if it doesn’t sell your private information, then how does Google make its profits?

Google’s main profits come from targeted advertising, location tracking, improving usability, and tweaking algorithms. The revenue stream I’ll focus on here is Google’s targeted advertising, since that one seems to get the worst rep.

Google’s Targeted Ads

Google the information it has learned about you to feed you ads that you’re likely to find relevant. Google calls it a win-win situation because they get paid when you click on their ads and you get ads that are actually relevant to you.

But, if you’re someone who is trying to cut down on spending, you may find it more difficult to do so with these highly targeted ads. There are plenty of browsers that don’t use these practices. One I like in particular is Wave Browser, and this may be a good option for those who don’t want to be subjected to data mining and ultra-targeted Google advertising, but still want to keep all of the features they currently have with Chrome.

The Verdict on Google’s Data Collection Practices

Google may not be listening in on your every conversation, but it is definitely holding on to every piece of information you knowingly or unknowingly share with it. And while Google doesn’t sell your private information to third parties, it DOES leverage it to sell you products and services. So in a sense, the game is rigged and Google has an unfair advantage against you.

Some people are okay with Google profiting off them, and they simply view their private information as the price they have to pay to use the browser. However, if this isn’t a price you’re willing to pay, you should know there are less invasive browsers available — and they’re still free to use.