Google announced in its blog post that it would start deleting logs to sensitive locations automatically after a user visited the area. The company published the blog following the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
In the blog's introduction, Jen Fitzpatrick, Senior Vice President- Core Systems at Google, she emphasized how Google values the protection of the user's privacy on their data security. To meet the company's mission on data privacy, it offers easy-to-use privacy tools and settings that users can access. She said that privacy matters to people.
Google Lists Down Sensitive Location History for Auto-Delete
Fitzpatrick said the company values the privacy of its users, especially around health topics. To keep the company's promise to its users, Google announced that its systems would automatically delete sensitive places and their location history soon after they visit. These include abortion clinics, addiction treatment facilities, fertility centers, cosmetic surgery clinics, weight loss clinics, domestic violence shelters, and counseling centers.
The company has not yet released the exact date of the changes. But it emphasizes that it will take effect in the coming weeks.
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Google User Data Policy
Google also implements its effort on user privacy in Google Play. Based on its strict protocol, it does not allow developers selling personal and sensitive user data. The company also introduced a new data safety section informing users on how developers collect, share and secure their data. It is one of the company's efforts to promote user control and transparency.
Google implemented the user privacy policies on third-party apps, and on Google Fit and Fitbit. The mentioned apps now allow users to control their data. It also provided tools, so users could easily access their data. The new settings include the option to delete and change personal information at any time.
As of this report, Fitbit users can delete their menstruation logs one at a time. Yet the company currently works on the app's update, so users can delete multiple logs at once soon.
Google also stated in its blog that it continues to protect its users' data against improper government demands on acquiring its users' personal information. It reiterated that the company would continue to oppose the overly broad or otherwise legally objectionable government's demands.
Google said on its transparency report page, that the company carefully reviews the government's request to ensure that it satisfies applicable laws. The company said that if they find out that their requests ask for too much information they narrow it. It also cited, there were some cases where it objects to producing the information requested.
The company regularly shares the number and types of government demands through its transparency report. This report is available online.
Although the company was robust in delivering privacy protections for its users, it also said that it supported Congressional efforts in reaching bipartisan agreement on nationwide privacy protections. The agreement focused on establishing good data practices and moving the burden of privacy of individuals across the board.
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