Is Google really spying on me? The simple answer is yes: Google collects data about how you use its devices, apps, and services. This ranges from your browsing behavior, Gmail and YouTube activity, location history, Google searches, online purchases, and more.
When you browse the web on computers or Android devices, you can send a request to websites not to collect or track your browsing data. It's turned off by default. However, what happens to your data depends on how a website responds to the request.
If You Use Google Products
If you do use Google products, they try to track even more. In addition to tracking everything you've ever searched for on Google (e.g. “weird rash”), Google also tracks every video you've ever watched on YouTube. Many people actually don't know that Google owns YouTube; now you know.
Sometimes, this surveillance is marketed as a feature. For example, some Wi-Fi routers can collect information about users' whereabouts in the home and even coordinate with other smart devices to sense motion. Manufacturers typically promise that only automated decision-making systems, and not humans, see your data.
Aside from cookies, Chrome tracks you through a number of identifiers. These include: IP address. Log-in information.
Some of the most obvious signs you are being spied on include: Someone seems to always be “bumping into you” in public. As if they always know when and where to find you. During divorce or separation, your ex-partner knows more details than they should about your activities, finances, or other details.
Go to the "Location History" section of your Google Account. Choose whether your account or your devices can report Location History to Google. Your account and all devices: At the top, turn Location History on or off. Only a certain device: Under "This device" or "Devices on this account," turn the device on or off.
If a hacker installs spyware on your phone then there is a good chance they will be able to access your camera and turn it on/off as they please. They may also be able to access any photos or videos you have previously taken.
If you suspect your phone is being monitored, check the Storage section in your settings. Here, you should be able to see how much data is being consumed by what. If you notice your device is using more data than usual, that could be an indicator of spyware.
So, your Google searches, voice searches, location changes, all are tracked and stored by Google so that the advertisements can be as tailored and accurate as they can be. But Google is not the only big corporate that does targeted advertising.
Yes, they can.
The people who can access this information could be your boss or family member if they control the network. It is best to use security tools: VPNs, HTTPS proxies, and the Tor browser to keep your searches private from them.
Your name and profile picture can be viewed by other people who use Google services where your main Google Account profile is shown, including when you communicate or share content.
Everything you do on the web while signed into Chrome, everything you search for while signed into Google, and everything you do inside Google apps is tracked.
Google uses personal data from Google Analytics, Global Site Tag, and from their many other trackers and products, so they can target you with advertising and content they think you'll want to see.
Google tracks your search history, for example, as well as your mobile device's location, the ads you view, the videos you watch, and more. If you prefer, you can configure Google to stop tracking you — at least, for the most part — though if you do, you'll lose the benefit of all of Google's personalization features.
Scan your phone with anti-spyware apps
The easiest way to discover if someone has tried to install spyware on your iPhone or Android smartphone is to scan your phone with security software like Certo AntiSpy (for iOS devices) or Certo Mobile Security (for Android devices).
Therefore it's natural to wonder “can this happen to me?”. The truth is, yes. Someone can listen to your phone calls, if they have the right tools and they know how to use them – which when all is said and done, isn't anywhere near as difficult as you might expect.
Can a hacker access my computer camera, microphone, and screen? Yes. Cybercriminals use malware like spyware to remotely access and control your camera, microphone, and screen. In fact, malicious actors often use camera and microphone recordings to blackmail people.
This ranges from your browsing behavior, Gmail and YouTube activity, location history, Google searches, online purchases, and more. Basically, anything that's connected to Google is likely used to collect data on your activity and preferences.
Confirming Physical Surveillance
Assume you're under surveillance if you see someone repeatedly over time, in different environments and over distance. For good measure, a conspicuous display of poor demeanor, or the person acting unnaturally, is another sign that you might be under surveillance.