We keep your personal information private and safe – and put you in control.
When you use our services, you trust us with your information. We want to start by telling you what we do with it:
Data enables us to provide our services like Search, Gmail, and Maps.
Data also helps us show relevant ads, so we can make our services free for everyone.
Know that we do not sell your personal information.
And you control the types of information we collect and use.
Lastly, no one does more to keep you and your information safe and secure.
Here you can find answers to the common questions we hear about privacy and security:.
What data does Google collect?
The main types of data we collect are based on the actions you take using our services, your basic account details and the things you create.
When you use our services — for example, do a search on Google, get directions on Google Maps, or watch a video on YouTube — we collect information based on the things you do, so we can make our services work better for you. When you sign up for a Google Account, we keep the basic account information you give us, like your name, email, and password. And we store and protect what you create using our services, so you will always have your emails, photos, videos, and documents when you need them.
We also give you tools to control the types of data we collect and use.
What does Google do with the data it collects?
First and foremost, we use data to make our services faster, smarter, and more useful to you, such as by providing better search results and timely traffic updates. Data also helps us analyze patterns to protect you from malware, phishing, and other suspicious activity. For example, we warn you when you try to visit dangerous websites. We also use data to show you ads that are relevant and useful, and to keep our services free for everyone.
Does Google sell my personal information?
No. We do not sell your personal information.
We do use certain information, such as the searches you have done and your location, to make the ads we show more relevant and useful. Ads are what enable us to make our services like Search, Gmail, and Maps free for everyone. We do not share information with advertisers in a way that personally identifies you unless you gave us permission. With our Ads Settings tool, you can control ads based on your interests and the searches you have done.
What tools do I have to control my Google experience?
We have easy-to-use tools that help you control how Google works for you.
In My Account, you can find tools to manage your privacy and information all in one place.
With our data controls in Activity Controls, you can manage the types of data we collect, including your Search, YouTube, and location activity.
With our Ads Settings tool, you can control ads based on your interests and the searches you have done.
How does Google keep my information safe?
If your information is not secure, it is not private. That is why when you use Google services, you are protected by one of the world’s most advanced security infrastructures.
Google’s Safe Browsing technology, which protects over 1 billion people, warns you when you try to visit a site that might contain malware or a phishing attempt.
Encryption ensures your information is safer when it travels between your device and Google.
Gmail security protects you from spam, phishing, and malware better than any other email service.
What can I do to stay safe online?
All of our products are built with advanced online security. Here are three easy but important things you can do to keep your information safe.
Take the Security Checkup regularly to help keep your Google Account safe and secure. It only takes a few minutes.
Create a strong password, then never use it for anything other than your Google Account.
Add a mobile recovery phone number to your account, so we can confirm your identity if you get locked out or if we think someone else is trying to get in.
Where can I go to manage my privacy and security settings?
Go to My Account to find tools for managing your privacy and security.