Technology
Google now lets you password-protect your searches to shield your history from prying eyes
YOU can now password-protect your Google Search history so prying eyes don’t see it.
Google has added the new feature to protect your Web and Activity page, which includes things like searches, YouTube watch history, and questions asked to Google assistant.
The new feature is live on the My Google Activity page[/caption]
You need to manually activate the password-protect system in order to use it.
First, go to activity.google.com and click on the Manage My Activity verification link.
It’s easy to spot on the page because it should appear with a blue pop up that states: “You can add more security to My Activity by turning on extra verification.”
Once you’ve clicked Manage My Activity, select Require Extra Verification.
The feature is particularly useful if you share a computer[/caption]
Then, choose a password that you’ll enter each time you want to see your Web and Activity information.
All that’s left to do is click confirm.
You’ll need to click verify the next time you go to activity.google.com.
Without a password, any one can see what you’ve recently been typing into Google or watching on YouTube.
You’ll also see an option to ‘Auto-delete’ your search history on the Web and Activity page.
This could be useful if you share a computer or are worried about someone going on your device without your permission.
What does Chrome’s Incognito Mode hide?
Here’s what you need to know…
- Anyone on your Wi-Fi network could potentially use special spy software to view what you’re browsing, regardless of Incognito Mode.
- And your employer will be able to use similar technology to see what you’re browsing at work, too.
- It’s entirely possible that your employer logs every website you visit while at work.
- Your internet service provider (like BT, Virgin, and so on) will also be able to see what you’re doing online.
- That means the police can also get access to what you view in Incognito Mode, simply by requesting that information from your internet provider.
- The websites you’re using will also be able to track that you’re online on their page, too.
- Google will know where you’re browsing from, and what you’re looking at.
- And if you log into a website, they’ll also be able to keep track of information about you.
- So when you log into Facebook in Incognito Mode, details about what you do on the site will be recorded – just the same as if you were using it in a normal web browser.
- The key point is that Incognito Mode is not a great method of ensuring privacy, because it’s still very easy to track what you’re doing online.
- It’s only really useful for keeping websites out of your browsing history, or logging into a single website on multiple accounts in the same web browser.
Most read in Phones & Gadgets
In other news, time is almost up for Internet Explorer as Microsoft is set to drop it after 25 years.
Microsoft Teams just got some new features that could help it rival WhatsApp.
And, Facebook is facing backlash in the US over plans to create a version of Instagram for children under 13.
Do you worry about people seeing your search history? Let us know in the comments…
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