Recent reports indicate that Google is sharing user data with third-party companies. These reports alarm Android users concerning their privacy and security. Google’s chief, Hiroshi Lockheimer, has clarified that the company does not share user data with any third-party companies. Lockheimer emphasizes Google’s commitment to user privacy. Google denies data sharing without users’ explicit consent.
What Are The Reports Saying?
Google has been accused of sharing user data with various third-party companies, including advertising firms, app developers, and the government. Some of the specific allegations include:
- That location data from Google is reported to be shared with advertising firms to use in targeting ads much better.
- App developers receive and use user search history to make their apps more personalized.
- Google is cooperating with the government and providing user information to assist law enforcement.
What Is Google Saying?
Google denies data sharing. Lockheimer stated Google’s commitment to user privacy and user consent for data sharing. He added that there are several privacy controls that allow the user to manage their data within Google.
Is Google Telling The Truth?
The company has for many years been under dutiful fire by regulators for privacy violations. Although, on the flip side, it is to be said that Google has of late made several improvements to its privacy practices.
What Should Android Users Do?
If you’re using an Android phone, there’s a good thing you can do to help protect your privacy. For starters, learn your way around Google’s privacy controls. You can learn more about the controls from Google.
You will also want to be careful about the kinds of applications you install on your device. Not all are created equal, and some seem to have an affinity for collecting more information than others. You will want to research an app before you install it to see what it is asking permission for.
Finally, you might want to use a VPN. A VPN helps convert your internet traffic into coded information that is hard for any third party to track.
The debate on data sharing is far from over. In the meantime, Android users should be knowledgeable about the risks and measures to take for protection.
