What Does Google Know About You? Learn To Control Your Digital Footprint.
![What Does Google Know About You? Learn To Control Your Digital Footprint.](jpg/digital-footprint.jpg)
Google, as one of the largest and most powerful companies in technology, collects and stores a large amount of data about those who use its services. From contact information to the searches that are carried out or the location of a device, and for this reason, it is important to know that Google has access to a considerable volume of personal data. And it is that like it or not, life on the Internet leaves a digital footprint. Do you want to learn to control it?
What Is The Fingerprint?
As if it were a fingerprint, the fingerprint is a unique characteristic of each person used to identify them, but this time in the virtual environment.
In this way, the digital footprint is understood as the trace left by each individual on the Internet, that is, all the data recorded on the network due to the activities carried out on it.
Even if passive use of the Internet is made, it is impossible not to leave a digital footprint. Simply by searching and browsing, you are already leaving a digital mark. But if, in addition, your content is generated, you are present on social networks, you use any geolocation tool, or you buy online, the digital footprint is much greater.
To be aware of this, you can see how Google knows where you have been or what your activity has been in these links.
How To Control The Trace of My Data?
First of all, you have to know that part of the data that is provided to a website is done unconsciously since sometimes access is given to pages or platforms whose privacy policy is not usually read and, therefore, it is not known exactly if they save data and what they are.
However, other times when, for example, a new account is created in an application, the personal data provided is deliberately provided.
Whatever the case, it is important to take into account the following tips with which you can minimize your digital footprint and thus protect your privacy:
- Use a private web browser or virtual private network (VPN) to hide your IP address and location.
- Avoid sharing personal information online, such as your address, date of birth, phone number, or bank details.
- Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
- Review your privacy settings on your accounts and ensure they are set so you only share necessary information.
- Avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks without a secure connection.
- Limit the amount of information you share on social networking sites and apps.
- Consider using an encrypted email service to protect your email messages.
- Please read the cookie policies and privacy policies before accepting them.
How To Delete My Information From Google?
There are times when, for different reasons, people want to delete certain information that appears about them on Google and thus exercise their right to be forgotten.
Although the digital footprint is not easy to erase, since it is much better to prevent with the previous recommendations, Google offers the option to withdraw personal information through this request form.
To carry it out, it is necessary to fill in the indicated fields, attach the name with which the search was carried out, sign the request, and wait for the information to be deleted.
Suppose you want to delete certain data on social networks. In that case, you can search the security or privacy section for the relevant settings and verify what information is being shared and with whom. Likewise, the information can be deleted, edited, or deleted from the publications, photos, or comments.
You can also delete an account entirely or deactivate it, and on some platforms like Facebook, you can choose who has permission to tag photos and be able to control which images appear on a profile.
In conclusion, the digital footprint is the mark a person leaves when browsing the Internet, either by the data shared directly or by other people.
We must be aware that, in a context where information abounds, and companies or organizations collect and store it, it is important to know what data is leaving its mark on the network and what measures can be taken to protect online privacy and security. Do you dare to discover what is on the Internet about you?