Google has revealed the huge amount of data that Chrome collects from each user. The company finally admitted how much data the program collects browsing Chrome από τους users and it's far more than any other popular browser collects.
So what does Google Chrome know about you? What data does it collect? How do you get out of the Google microscope?
Η Apple privacy requirement for iOS and MacOS applications forced Google to display in full view the data collection from Chrome, the browser used by billions of people around the world.
Forbes he says that Chrome not only collects a lot more data than other popular browsers, but links virtually all the data collected to the users who generate it. Other browsers allow at least some data to be collected anonymously. But not Chrome.
One of Google's competitors in engines searchThe DuckDuckGo, posted on Twitter an image that shows the vast amount of information that Chrome collects. If you are now signed in to your Google Account through Chrome, the company can connect you directly to the data it collects from you.
The data includes financial data, geographical location, browsing history and much more as you can see above.
Google admits all this, but defends itself by pointing out the useful features and functions made possible by data collection. However, many other browsers offer the same functionality without data collection.
What you can do about Chrome privacy issues
If you are a Chrome user, these revelations can be quite troubling. But if you want, there are solutions that can minimize the amount of data that Chrome collects.
Avoid invasive features
The data presented by DuckDuckGo and reported by Chrome is not necessarily so much. This is partly determined by how you choose to use Chrome.
For example, you can reject requests from sites that want to know your GPS location. In addition, many (third-party) Chrome extensions also collect data, so you should avoid installing them whenever possible, especially if you do not know or trust the creators.
Customize your privacy controls
You can have more control over your data by changing your Chrome privacy settings. Customizing these settings is easy, and you'll be able to continue using Chrome without malfunctioning.
Be careful, though, because none of Chrome's privacy settings will completely remove Google's watchful eye. The company will still track you as much as possible if you're logged in and using it browser her.
Sign out of your Google Account while browsing
Another solution is to simply log out of your Chrome account. While Google will continue to collect data to profile you, at least Chrome will not link directly to your Google Account.
However, you will not have device synchronization capabilities, and you will need to sign in whenever you want to check your Gmail, comment on YouTube, or access Google Drive.
Decentralize your Data
If you use your Chrome account for all of the above reasons, consider decentralizing your data using different services.
For example, you could use Zoom instead of Google Duo, DropBox instead of Google Drive, and Word instead of Google Docs. You should also create accounts for other services manually and not use your Google Account, because your company is asking for tracking rights.
This will result in many technology companies having access to small amounts of your data. It is the opposite of a company (Google) has access to all your personal information.
Change browser
The surest way to stop Chrome from tracking you is to completely change your browser. You can choose from Apple Safari, Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Edge. DuckDuckGo even has one its own mobile browser.
However, changing browsers can be difficult. You should choose one that facilitates bookmarking.
If you have saved your passwords in Chrome, we recommend that you find a password manager application. The application Keepass, is free, open source, and stores your passwords locally.