Google is watching me: What does Google know about you?

 

I found this email in mijn inbox, titled: 

'Nicole, your June update'.

I almost threw it out without reading it, but I was curious so I clicked on it. Turns out, it's a Google report about my whereabouts in the month of June!

Apparently I activated this....

Google Activity

It said:

'Nicole, here's your new Timeline update You're receiving this monthly email because you turned on Location History, a Google Account-level setting that saves where you go in your private Timeline. Location History data also helps give you personalized information on Google, including better restaurant recommendations, and suggestions for a faster commute. You can view, edit, and delete this data anytime in Timeline.'

I must say: I'm having mixed feelings about this. On the one hand it's kind of interesting so see what I've been doing. On the other hand it's a bit disconcerting Google knows all this....

Google Activity: how to turn it off?

It turns out it's quite easy to turn off. You just head on over to myactivity.google.com and switch the button:

Summing up

If you don't want Google to register your comings and goings, it's easy to turn off. If you don't mind knowing Google your whereabouts, it's kind of nice to see a summary!