Take control of the personal data Google collects with these privacy tools and techniques. Learn to limit data sharing, customize your settings, and maintain a safer online presence.

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1. Turn Off the Master Privacy Control

The Web & App Activity setting collects data from Google products, apps, and services like Search, Maps, and YouTube. Disabling this setting improves privacy but disables some personalization features.

Steps to Turn Off Web & App Activity:

• Sign in to your Google account.

• Go to Manage your Google Account > Privacy & Personalization.

• If Web & App Activity is on, click it.

• Click Turn off on the next screen.

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2. Turn Off Location History

Google tracks your location even when Location History is off unless Web & App Activity is also disabled.

Steps to Turn Off Location Tracking:

• Navigate to Privacy & Personalization > Location History.

• Toggle Off and hit Pause.

• Repeat for Web & App Activity (see above).

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3. Set Data to Auto-Delete or Erase It Manually

You can automatically delete data like search history after 3 or 18 months or erase it manually.

Steps to Auto-Delete Web & App Activity:

• Go to Privacy & Personalization > Web & App Activity.

• Select Auto-delete and choose a time frame.

Steps to Manually Delete Data:

• Go to Web & App Activity > Manage All Web & App Activity.

• Click the three-dot icon > Delete Activity By > Choose a time range.

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4. Review and Limit Data Sharing

Check third-party apps connected to your Google account and remove those you no longer use.

Steps to Manage App Permissions:

• Go to Manage your Google Account > Security.

• Under Third-party apps with account access, click an app’s name.

• Select Remove Access.

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5. Make Ads Less Targeted

Disable Google’s ad personalization settings to reduce targeted ads.

Steps to Turn Off Ad Personalization:

• Go to Manage your Data & Personalization > Ad Settings.

• Toggle Ad Personalization off.

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6. Disable Personalized Search Results

Turn off personal results like auto-predicted searches and personalized recommendations.

Steps to Turn Off Personalized Results:

• Go to Manage your Data & Personalization > Personal Results in Search.

• Switch the toggle Off.

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7. Safeguard Your Account With Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Adding 2FA increases security by requiring a verification code along with your password.

Steps to Enable 2FA:

• Go to Manage your Google Account > Security > 2-Step Verification.

• Click Get Started and follow the prompts.

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8. Remove Personal Information From Google Search

Request removal of sensitive information like contact details or financial data.

Steps to Request Data Removal:

• Use Google’s online form to submit requests: Google Search Help.

• Provide the URL where the information appears and attach screenshots if necessary.

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9. Adjust Chrome’s Privacy Settings or Switch Browsers

Google Chrome syncs browsing data across devices. Disable syncing or opt for privacy-focused browsers like Firefox, Safari, or DuckDuckGo.

Steps to Disable Chrome Auto-Sign-In:

• Open Chrome > Click the three-dot menu > Settings > Sync and Google Services.

• Turn off Allow Chrome sign-in.

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10. Explore Alternative Browsers

Privacy-oriented browsers like Safari, Firefox, and DuckDuckGo collect less personal data and block third-party cookies by default.

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Remember

Customizing Google’s privacy settings can significantly limit the amount of personal data collected. Pair these steps with cautious data-sharing habits for a safer, more private online experience.

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