Google Browsing History Sharing

Google’s New Privacy Policy and Your Browsing History

Beginning on March 1st, Google will implement a revised Privacy Policy. This update has generated discussion due to its expanded scope regarding the collection and retention of user data. Specifically, the policy allows for increased gathering of search queries, browsing history, logs, and personally identifiable information.

While completely preventing Google from collecting this data is not possible without account closure, users have options to manage their browsing history. As highlighted by Daily Mail Online, a straightforward process exists to remove existing browsing data associated with a Google account.

Why Clear Your Browsing History?

Individuals may choose to clear their browsing history due to privacy concerns. Sensitive information, such as personal interests, sexual orientation, or home location, could be inferred from search data. Users may wish to prevent unauthorized access to this type of information.

Under the new Privacy Policy, Google may share a user’s browsing history across its various products. If this prospect is undesirable, the following steps can be taken to remove previously stored browsing history.

How to Remove Your Google Browsing History: A Three-Step Guide

Navigate to the "Services" section and click on "Go to web history."

On the Web History page, click the "Remove all Web History" button, located at the top of the screen.

The "Resume" button on the Web History page allows users to re-enable the collection of their search queries at any time.

According to reports from Daily Mail Online, Google can still track searches even without a user being logged in, utilizing the computer’s IP address. Complete removal of personal history requires account login.

Source: Daily Mail Online