Here’s a detailed overview of what Google knows about you

Google’s collection of user information is often used as propaganda, but there’s no denying that the company monitors its subscribers closely. Do you regularly use products like Gmail, Maps, Chrome, Android, YouTube, and search? If so, there’s a good chance that Google has a detailed log of your habits assigned to your user profile. Don’t believe us? Check out this list of links to see what type of information Google has about you.

Advertising

While Google is widely known for its search engine, the company’s advertising arm makes big bucks by the minute. A huge part of advertising is knowing your customer’s wants and needs. Aware of this, Google creates a profile that covers details like your age, gender and general interests. The firm uses this information to determine what ads to send your way. Here’s how Google sees you.

Location

If you’re among the millions of people using Android or Google products on your mobile devices, there’s a good chance that your smartphone is beaming your location information to Mountain View’s mothership. Not sure? Find out where you’ve been by visiting here.

Search history

Google’s search engine is the most visited website in the world. But some people aren’t aware that the company saves search queries from its users. The tech juggernaut also records the ads that people click on. You can check out your history right here.

Your devices

Whether you’re using multiple devices, or you’re concerned that someone could be borrowing your identity. You can track a list of gadgets that have signed into Google account by visiting this link.

The software you’re using

Are your smartphone and browser loaded with apps and extensions? Do you ever read the type of information these items have access to? If you’re not sure how much permission you’ve extended over the years, stop by here to see who has access to what. If you happen to feel uneasy, you can revoke an app’s access to your information on the spot.

How to export your data

By now it’s clear that Google monitors a lot of its users, but what happens if you want to breakup with the search giant? The company says there’s no hard feelings and it even provides its subscribers with an easy way to export information like contacts, Drive files, video clips and photos. If you’re thinking about living a Google-free life, you’ll want to bookmark this link.

It should be noted that several Google products and services ship with options that let users opt out of specific data sharing, however some of these items are turned on by default. If you’re deeply invested in Google’s ecosystem and would like to know more about how the company uses your information, check out its privacy policy.

(via Cloud Fender)