Privacy Policy
Google significantly restructured the international/legal-rights portion of its Privacy Policy: it deleted the entire 'U.S. state law requirements' section (which explained CCPA/state-law rights, said Google does not sell your data, and listed data categories/business purposes) and replaced it with a new EU/UK-focused 'European requirements' section covering data controllers and GDPR legal bases. It also newly discloses that Gemini/AI chat interactions are used to train Google's models, adds expanded age-verification data collection (ID, photo, credit card, phone number), and quietly merges the separate 'Search Services History' control into the single 'Web & App Activity' setting.
U.S. consumer privacy-rights disclosures removed from the policy
Google deleted the entire section that told U.S. consumers about their rights under state privacy laws (like CCPA), including the explicit promise that Google doesn't sell or 'share' your data, a plain list of what categories of data it collects (including sensitive categories like biometric and health data), why it discloses data, who it shares data with, and how to submit a rights request. None of this was replaced with equivalent U.S.-facing content — the new section that replaced it is written for EU/UK users instead.
“Google does not sell your personal information. Google also does not "share" your personal information as that term is defined in the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).”
What you can do — If you're a U.S. resident and want to exercise CCPA or other state privacy rights, contact Google's privacy support directly rather than relying on this policy, since the step-by-step explanation is no longer included here.
OTHER
Your Gemini/AI conversations are now explicitly used to train Google's models
Google now clearly states that your interactions with AI products like Gemini Apps are used to train, fine-tune, and improve its AI models, including safety and language filters. Previously the policy only mentioned using publicly available information for AI training, not your own conversations.
“We use your interactions with AI models and technologies like Gemini Apps to develop, train, fine-tune, and improve these models to better handle your requests, and update their classifiers and filters including for safety, language understanding, and factuality.”
What you can do — Check your Gemini Apps Activity settings in My Activity to control whether your conversations are saved and used to improve Google's models.
DATA COLLECTION
Google may now request government ID, a photo, or financial info to verify your age
The policy newly discloses that if Google can't confirm you're old enough to use its services through other signals, it may ask you to submit sensitive verification documents like a government ID, credit card, a photo of yourself, or your phone number.
“we can request other information to verify your age, like your government ID, credit card, a photo of you, or your phone number.”
DATA COLLECTION
Separate 'Search Services History' control folded into 'Web & App Activity'
The policy previously described two distinct settings for saving your activity: 'Search Services History' (for Search, Maps, Shopping) and 'Web & App Activity' (for other services). Now only 'Web & App Activity' is mentioned, meaning search activity that may have been under a separate toggle is now controlled by the broader, single setting — a loss of granular control for anyone who had these configured differently.
“activity from services like Search, Maps, and Shopping is saved to Search Services History, and your activity on some other Google sites and apps is saved to Web & App Activity.”
What you can do — Review your Web & App Activity setting at My Activity to confirm it reflects what you want saved, since it now also covers what used to be separately managed as Search Services History.
DATA COLLECTION
| 1 | 1 | ## Information Google collects |
| 2 | 2 | |
| 3 | 3 | ## We want you to understand the types of information we collect as you use our services |
| 4 | 4 | |
| 5 | 5 | We collect information to provide better services to all our users - from figuring out basic stuff like which language you speak, to more complex things like which [ads you'll find most useful](https://policies.google.com/privacy), [the people who matter most to you online](https://policies.google.com/privacy), or which YouTube videos you might like. The information Google collects, and how that information is used, depends on how you use our services and how you manage your privacy controls. |
| 6 | 6 | |
| 7 | Google also collects and uses data that is not associated with your account. For example, when you're not signed in to a Google Account, we store the information we collect with [unique identifiers](https://policies.google.com/privacy) tied to the browser, application, or [device](https://policies.google.com/privacy) you're using. This allows us to do things like maintain your preferences across browsing sessions, such as your preferred language or whether to show you more relevant search results or ads based on your activity. | |
− REMOVEDSentence about collecting non-account data removed The policy no longer opens with a standalone sentence saying Google collects and uses data not tied to your account; the same underlying practice is still described in the rest of the paragraph. | ||
| 7 | When you're not signed in to a Google Account, we store the information we collect with [unique identifiers](https://policies.google.com/privacy) tied to the browser, application, or [device](https://policies.google.com/privacy) you're using. This allows us to do things like maintain your preferences across browsing sessions, such as your preferred language or whether to show you more relevant search results or ads based on your activity. | |
| 8 | 8 | |
| 9 | 9 | When you're signed in, we also collect information that we store with your Google Account, which we treat as [personal information](https://policies.google.com/privacy). |
| 10 | 10 | |
| 11 | 11 | ## Things you create or provide to us |
| 12 | 12 | |
| 13 | 13 | When you create a Google Account, you provide us with [personal information](https://policies.google.com/privacy) that includes your name and a password. You can also choose to add a [phone number](https://policies.google.com/privacy) or [payment information](https://policies.google.com/privacy) to your account. Even if you aren't signed in to a Google Account, you might choose to provide us with information - like an email address to communicate with Google or receive updates about our services. |
| 28 | 28 | |
| 29 | 29 | We collect information about your activity in our services, which we use to do things like recommend a YouTube video you might like. The activity information we collect may include: |
| 30 | 30 | |
| 31 | 31 | - Terms you search for |
| 32 | 32 | - Videos you watch |
| 33 | 33 | - [Views and interactions with content and ads](https://policies.google.com/privacy) |
| 34 | - [Media (like images, files, audio and video) from your interactions](https://policies.google.com/privacy) | |
| 34 | - [Voice and audio information](https://policies.google.com/privacy) | |
± CHANGEDActivity-data category narrowed from general media to voice/audio A bullet about collected activity data changed from a broad 'media from your interactions' category (images, files, audio, video) to a more specific 'Voice and audio information' category, now framed around your ability to choose whether audio recordings of voice commands are saved. | ||
| 35 | 35 | - Purchase activity |
| 36 | 36 | - People with whom you communicate or share content |
| 37 | 37 | - [Activity on third-party sites and apps that use our services](https://policies.google.com/privacy) |
| 38 | 38 | - Chrome browsing history you've [synced with your Google Account](https://policies.google.com/privacy) |
| 39 | 39 | |
| 40 | 40 | If you use our [services to make and receive calls or send and receive messages](https://policies.google.com/privacy), we may collect call and message log information like your phone number, calling-party number, receiving-party number, forwarding numbers, sender and recipient email address, time and date of calls and messages, duration of calls, routing information, and types and volumes of calls and messages. |
| 41 | 41 | |
| 42 | You can visit your Google Account to find and manage activity information that's saved in your history. | |
| 42 | You can visit your Google Account to find and manage activity information that's saved by your activity controls. | |
| 43 | 43 | |
| 44 | 44 | ### Your location information |
| 45 | 45 | |
| 46 | 46 | We collect location information when you use our services, which helps us offer features like driving directions, search results for things near you, and ads based on your location. |
| 47 | 47 | |
| 48 | 48 | Depending on the products you're using and settings you choose, Google may use different types of location information to help make some services and products you use more helpful. These include: |
| 49 | 49 | |
| 50 | 50 | - GPS and other [sensor data from your device](https://policies.google.com/privacy) |
| 51 | 51 | - [IP address](https://policies.google.com/privacy) |
| 52 | 52 | - [Activity on Google services](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as from your searches or [places you label like home or work](https://policies.google.com/privacy) |
| 53 | 53 | - [Information about things near your device](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as Wi-Fi access points, cell towers, and Bluetooth-enabled devices |
| 54 | 54 | |
| 55 | The types of location data we collect and how long we store it depend in part on your device and account settings. For example, you can [turn your Android device's location on or off](https://support.google.com/accounts) using the device's settings app. You can also turn on [Timeline](https://support.google.com/accounts) if you want to create a private map of where you go with your signed-in devices. Depending on your settings, your searches and other activity from Google services, which may also include location information, are saved as history to your Google Account. For example, activity from services like Search, Maps, and Shopping is saved to Search Services History, and your activity on some other Google sites and apps is saved to Web & App Activity. Learn more about [how we use location information](https://policies.google.com/technologies/location-data). | |
| 55 | The types of location data we collect and how long we store it depend in part on your device and account settings. For example, you can [turn your Android device's location on or off](https://support.google.com/accounts) using the device's settings app. You can also turn on [Timeline](https://support.google.com/accounts) if you want to create a private map of where you go with your signed-in devices. And if your Web & App Activity setting is enabled, your searches and other activity from Google services, which may also include location information, is saved to your Google Account. Learn more about [how we use location information](https://policies.google.com/technologies/location-data). | |
± CHANGED'Search Services History' control folded into 'Web & App Activity' Google previously described two separate history/personalization settings — 'Search Services History' and 'Web & App Activity' — for saving your search and service activity. The new text only refers to a single 'Web & App Activity' setting, removing the separate search-specific control from the policy's description. | ||
| 56 | 56 | |
| 57 | 57 | - * * |
| 58 | 58 | |
| 59 | 59 | In some circumstances, Google also collects information about you from [publicly accessible sources](https://policies.google.com/privacy). For example, if your name appears in your local newspaper, Google's Search engine may index that article and display it to other people if they search for your name. We may also collect information about you from trusted partners, such as directory services who provide us with business information to be displayed on Google's services, marketing partners who provide us with information about potential customers of our business services, and security partners who provide us with information to [protect against abuse](https://policies.google.com/privacy). We also receive information from partners to provide [advertising and research services on their behalf](https://policies.google.com/privacy). |
| 60 | 60 | |
| 61 | 61 | ## Why Google collects data |
| 75 | 75 | ### Develop new services |
| 76 | 76 | |
| 77 | 77 | We use the information we collect in existing services to help us develop new ones. For example, understanding how people organized their photos in Picasa, Google's first photos app, helped us design and launch Google Photos. |
| 78 | 78 | |
| 79 | 79 | ### Provide personalized services, including content and ads |
| 80 | 80 | |
| 81 | We use the information we collect to tailor our services for you, including providing customized and personalized experiences and recommendations, including things like content, and [search results](https://policies.google.com/privacy). For example, [Security Checkup](https://myaccount.google.com/security-checkup) provides security tips adapted to how you use Google products. And, depending on your available settings, Google Play could use information like apps you've already installed and videos you've watched on YouTube to suggest new apps you might like. | |
| 81 | We use the information we collect to customize our services for you, including providing recommendations, personalized content, and [customized search results](https://policies.google.com/privacy). For example, [Security Checkup](https://myaccount.google.com/security-checkup) provides security tips adapted to how you use Google products. And, depending on your available settings, Google Play could use information like apps you've already installed and videos you've watched on YouTube to suggest new apps you might like. | |
| 82 | 82 | |
| 83 | 83 | Depending on your settings, we may also show you [personalized ads](https://policies.google.com/privacy) based on your interests and activity across Google services. For example, if you search for "mountain bikes," you may see ads for sports equipment on YouTube. You can control what information we use to show you ads by visiting your ad settings in [My Ad Center](https://myadcenter.google.com/). |
| 84 | 84 | |
| 85 | 85 | - We don't show you personalized ads based on [sensitive categories](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as race, religion, sexual orientation, or health. |
| 86 | 86 | - We don't show you personalized ads based on your content from Drive, Gmail, or Photos. |
| 87 | 87 | - We don't share information that personally identifies you with advertisers, such as your name or email, unless you ask us to. For example, if you see an ad for a nearby flower shop and select the "tap to call" button, we'll connect your call and may share your phone number with the flower shop. |
| 97 | 97 | ### Protect Google, our users, and the public |
| 98 | 98 | |
| 99 | 99 | We use information to help improve the [safety and reliability](https://policies.google.com/privacy) of our services. This includes detecting, preventing, and responding to fraud, abuse, security risks, and technical issues that could harm Google, our users, or [the public](https://policies.google.com/privacy). |
| 100 | 100 | |
| 101 | 101 | - * * |
| 102 | 102 | |
| 103 | We use different technologies to process your information for these purposes. We use automated systems that analyze your content to provide you with things like tailored search results, personalized ads, or other features tailored to how you use our services. And we analyze your content to help us [detect abuse](https://policies.google.com/privacy) such as spam, malware, and illegal content. We also use [algorithms](https://policies.google.com/privacy) to recognize patterns in data. For example, Google Translate helps people communicate across languages by detecting common language patterns in phrases you ask it to translate. | |
| 103 | We use different technologies to process your information for these purposes. We use automated systems that analyze your content to provide you with things like customized search results, personalized ads, or other features tailored to how you use our services. And we analyze your content to help us [detect abuse](https://policies.google.com/privacy) such as spam, malware, and illegal content. We also use [algorithms](https://policies.google.com/privacy) to recognize patterns in data. For example, Google Translate helps people communicate across languages by detecting common language patterns in phrases you ask it to translate. | |
| 104 | 104 | |
| 105 | 105 | We may [use the information we collect](https://policies.google.com/privacy) across our services and across your devices for the purposes described above. For example, depending on your available settings, if you watch videos of guitar players on YouTube, you might see an ad for guitar lessons on a site that uses our ad products. Depending on your account settings, [your activity on other sites and apps](https://policies.google.com/privacy) may be associated with your personal information in order to improve Google's services and the ads delivered by Google. |
| 106 | 106 | |
| 107 | 107 | If other users already have your email address or other information that identifies you, we may show them your publicly visible Google Account information, such as your name and photo. This helps people identify an email coming from you, for example. |
| 108 | 108 | |
| 109 | 109 | We'll ask for your consent before using your information for a purpose that isn't covered in this Privacy Policy. |
| 115 | 115 | ## Data transfers |
| 116 | 116 | |
| 117 | 117 | We maintain [servers around the world](https://policies.google.com/privacy) and your information may be processed on servers located outside of the country where you live. Data protection laws vary among countries, with some providing more protection than others. Regardless of where your information is processed, we apply the same protections described in this policy. We also comply with certain [legal frameworks](https://policies.google.com/privacy/frameworks) relating to the transfer of data. |
| 118 | 118 | |
| 119 | 119 | When we receive formal written complaints, we respond by contacting the person who made the complaint. We work with the appropriate regulatory authorities, including local data protection authorities, to resolve any complaints regarding the transfer of your data that we cannot resolve with you directly. |
| 120 | 120 | |
| 121 | ## U.S. state law requirements | |
| 121 | ## European requirements | |
| 122 | 122 | |
| 123 | Some [U.S. state privacy laws](https://policies.google.com/privacy) require specific disclosures. | |
| 123 | ### How to exercise your rights and contact Google | |
| 124 | 124 | |
| 125 | This Privacy Policy is designed to help you understand how Google handles your information: | |
| 125 | If European Union (EU) or United Kingdom (UK) data protection law applies to the processing of your information, we provide the [controls](https://policies.google.com/privacy) described in this policy so you can exercise your rights to request access to, update, [remove](https://policies.google.com/privacy), and restrict the processing of your information. You also have the right to object to the processing of your information or export your information to another service. | |
| 126 | 126 | |
| 127 | - We explain the categories of information Google collects and the sources of that information in [Information Google collects](https://policies.google.com/privacy). | |
| 128 | - We explain the purposes for which Google collects and uses information in [Why Google collects data](https://policies.google.com/privacy). | |
| 129 | - We explain when Google may disclose information in [Sharing your information](https://policies.google.com/privacy). Google does not sell your personal information. Google also does not "share" your personal information as that term is defined in the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). | |
− REMOVEDU.S. state privacy law rights section deleted The section explaining rights under CCPA and other U.S. state privacy laws is gone. This included Google's explicit statement that it does not sell or 'share' personal information under CCPA, a table of data categories collected (including biometric information like fingerprints and health information like medical history/vital signs), business purposes for disclosure, the list of parties data may be shared with, special protections for health data under Washington's My Health My Data Act and Nevada SB 370, and instructions for contacting Google to exercise these rights. | ||
| 130 | - We explain how Google retains information in [Retaining your information](https://policies.google.com/privacy). You can also learn more about [how Google anonymizes data](https://policies.google.com/technologies/anonymization). As described there, when Google anonymizes data to protect your privacy, we maintain policies and technical measures to avoid re-identifying that information. | |
| 127 | If you have additional questions or requests related to your rights, [you can contact Google and our data protection office](https://support.google.com/policies/troubleshooter/7575787). And you can contact your local data protection authority if you have concerns regarding your rights under local law. | |
| 131 | 128 | |
| 132 | U.S. state privacy laws also provide the right to request information about how Google collects, uses, and discloses your information. And they give you the right to access your information, sometimes in a portable format; correct your information; and to request that Google delete that information. Many of these laws also provide the right to opt out of certain forms of profiling and targeted advertising. They also provide the right to not be discriminated against for exercising these privacy rights. Additionally, the CCPA treats certain kinds of information, like health data, as sensitive; when users provide this information, Google only uses it for purposes permitted by the CCPA, like to provide services that are requested and expected by our users. | |
| 129 | ### Data controller | |
| 133 | 130 | |
| 134 | The Washington My Health My Data Act and Nevada Senate Bill 370 provide specific rights in addition to those rights above, that apply to health information. When you provide health information subject to these laws, Google processes it with your consent, which you may withdraw, or as otherwise permitted by these laws. | |
| 131 | Unless otherwise stated in a service-specific privacy notice, the [data controller responsible for processing your information](https://policies.google.com/privacy) depends on where you are based: | |
| 135 | 132 | |
| 136 | We describe the choices you have to manage your privacy and data across Google's services in [Your privacy controls](https://policies.google.com/privacy). These tools allow you to access, review, update and delete your information, as well as [export and download](https://takeout.google.com/settings/takeout) a copy of it. You can also control what information we use to show you ads, or turn off personalized ads, by visiting [My Ad Center](https://myadcenter.google.com/). | |
| 133 | - Google Ireland Limited for users of Google services based in the European Economic Area or Switzerland, located at Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland. | |
| 134 | - Google LLC for users of Google services based in the United Kingdom, located at 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, California 94043, USA. | |
| 137 | 135 | |
| 138 | When you use these tools, we'll validate your request by verifying that you're signed in to your Google Account. If you have questions or requests related to your rights under U.S. state privacy laws, you (or your authorized agent) can also [contact Google](https://support.google.com/policies/answer/9581826). And if you disagree with the decision on your request, you can ask Google to reconsider it by responding to our email. | |
| 136 | Google LLC is the data controller responsible for processing information indexed and displayed in services like [Google Search](https://www.google.com/search/howsearchworks/crawling-indexing/) and Google Maps regardless of your location. Google Ireland Limited is the data controller responsible for processing information to train Google's AI models for the purpose of deploying them in services provided by Google Ireland Limited in the European Economic Area or Switzerland. | |
| 139 | 137 | |
| 140 | We also provide [more information](https://policies.google.com/privacy/ccpa-report) on Google's handling of CCPA requests. | |
| 138 | ### Legal bases of processing | |
| 141 | 139 | |
| 142 | Some U.S. state privacy laws also require a description of data practices using specific categories. This table uses these categories to organize the information in this Privacy Policy. | |
| 140 | We process your information for the [purposes](https://policies.google.com/privacy) described in this policy, based on the following legal grounds: | |
| 143 | 141 | |
| 144 | ### Categories of information we collect | |
| 142 | - We process your data in order to provide a service you've asked for under a contract. | |
| 143 | - We process your data for our legitimate interests and those of [third parties](https://policies.google.com/privacy) while applying [appropriate safeguards](https://policies.google.com/privacy) that protect your privacy. | |
| 144 | - We process your data when necessary to protect the vital interests of you or another person. | |
| 145 | - We process your data when we have a legal obligation to do so. | |
| 146 | - We ask for your consent to process your data for specific purposes and you have the right to withdraw your consent at any time. | |
| 145 | 147 | |
| 146 | **Identifiers and similar information** such as your [name](https://myaccount.google.com/personal-info) and password, phone number, and address, as well as [unique identifiers](https://policies.google.com/privacy) tied to the browser, application, or device you're using. Some Google services like [YouTube Studio](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9891124) provide the option to submit a valid ID (such as a passport or driver's license) to verify your identity to use additional features. | |
| 148 | How you use Google services and your privacy settings will determine what data is processed, the purposes for which this data is processed, and the legal bases for processing data. The table below explains these processing purposes, the kinds of data processed, and the legal grounds for processing this data, in more detail. | |
| 147 | 149 | |
| 148 | **Demographic information**, such as your [age](https://myaccount.google.com/personal-info), [gender](https://myaccount.google.com/gender) and [language](https://myaccount.google.com/language). If you choose to use optional features like [YouTube Creator Demographics](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/10272442), you can also provide additional information, like your gender identity or race and ethnicity. | |
| 150 | | Why and how we process data | What data is processed | Legal grounds | | |
| 151 | | --- | --- | --- | | |
| 152 | | | |
| 153 | **To provide Google services, products, and features** | |
| 149 | 154 | |
| 150 | **Commercial information** such as your [payment information](https://myaccount.google.com/payments-and-subscriptions) and a history of [purchases](https://myaccount.google.com/purchases) you make on Google's services. | |
| 155 | Examples of processing activities: | |
| 151 | 156 | |
| 152 | **Biometric information** if you choose to provide it, such as fingerprints in Google's product development studies. | |
| 157 | - We process the terms you search for in order to return results. | |
| 158 | - We use the IP address assigned to your device to send you the data you requested, such as loading a YouTube video. | |
| 159 | - We use unique identifiers stored in cookies on your device to help us authenticate you as the person who should have access to your Google Account. | |
| 160 | - Photos and videos you upload to Google Photos are used to help you create albums, collages, and other creations that you can share. | |
| 161 | - When you purchase services or physical goods from us, we use your shipping address or delivery instructions for things like processing, fulfilling, and delivering your order, and to provide support in connection with the product or service you purchase. | |
| 162 | - We process your payment information when you buy extra storage for Google Drive. | |
| 163 | - We can use contact info (like names and email addresses) of people you interact with in Google products to make it easier to find who you're looking for when you want to share and communicate with these people in other Google services like Gmail, Photos and Assistant. | |
| 164 | - A flight confirmation email you receive may be used to create a "check-in" button that appears in your Gmail. | |
| 165 | - Google also collects information about you from publicly accessible sources. For example, if your name appears in your local newspaper, Google's Search engine may index that article and display it to other people if they search for your name. Or, if your business's information appears on a website, we may index and display it on Google services. | |
| 166 | - We can help you share your location using [Google Location Sharing](https://support.google.com/maps/answer/7326816), so that others can find you on a map, or know your estimated time of arrival. | |
| 167 | - As described in the [Sharing your information](https://policies.google.com/privacy) section, we'll share personal information outside of Google when we have your consent, and provide you with controls to [review and manage third party apps and sites](https://myaccount.google.com/permissions) you have given access to data in your Google Account. | |
| 153 | 168 | |
| 154 | **Internet, network, and other activity information** such as your search terms; views and interactions with content and ads; Chrome browsing history you've synced with your Google Account; information about the interaction of your apps, browsers, and devices with our services (like IP address, crash reports, and system activity); and activity on third-party sites and apps that use our services. You can review and control activity data stored in your Google Account in [My Activity](https://myactivity.google.com/myactivity). | |
| 169 | | | |
| 155 | 170 | |
| 156 | **Geolocation data**, such as may be determined by GPS, IP address, and other data from sensors on or around your device, depending in part on your device and account settings. Depending on these settings, this may include **precise location data**, for example GPS data for Android features like navigation or finding your phone. Learn more about [Google's use of location information](https://policies.google.com/technologies/location-data). | |
| 171 | The information processed will depend on how you use Google services and your settings but could include the following: | |
| 157 | 172 | |
| 158 | **Audio, electronic, visual, and similar information**, including [media (like images, files, audio and video) from your interactions](https://policies.google.com/privacy) | |
| 173 | - [Things you create or provide to us](https://policies.google.com/privacy): | |
| 174 | - Content you create, upload, or receive (like photos, videos, emails, docs and spreadsheets). [Google Dashboard](https://myaccount.google.com/dashboard) allows you to manage information associated with specific products. | |
| 175 | - Personal information that you provide us when you create a Google Account (like your [name](https://myaccount.google.com/personal-info) and password, [phone number](https://myaccount.google.com/phone), date of birth, or [payment information](https://myaccount.google.com/payments-and-subscriptions)). | |
| 176 | - [Information that we collect as you use our services](https://policies.google.com/privacy): | |
| 177 | - [Information about your apps, browsers & devices](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as [unique identifiers](https://policies.google.com/privacy) tied to the browser, application, or device you're using; and information about the interaction of your apps, browsers, and devices with our services, (like IP address, crash reports, and system activity). | |
| 178 | - [Information about your activity in our services](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as your search terms, Chrome browsing history you've synced with your Google Account, your views and interactions with content and ads, and your activity on third-party sites and apps that use our services. You can review and control activity data stored in your Google Account in [My Activity](https://myactivity.google.com/myactivity). | |
| 179 | - [Location information](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as may be determined by GPS, IP address, and other data from sensors on or around your device, depending in part on your device and account settings. | |
| 180 | - [Information from publicly accessible sources](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as information that's publicly available online (like if your name appears in a local newspaper article) or from other public sources. | |
| 181 | - [Information from our trusted partners](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as from directory services who provide us with business information to be displayed on Google's services, or security partners who provide us with information to protect against abuse. | |
| 159 | 182 | |
| 160 | **Communications data**, such as emails, if you [use our services to send and receive messages](https://policies.google.com/privacy). | |
| 183 | | | |
| 161 | 184 | |
| 162 | **Health information** if you choose to provide it, such as your medical history, vital signs and health metrics (like blood glucose levels), and other [similar information related to your physical or mental health](https://policies.google.com/privacy), in the course of using Google services that offer health-related features, such as the [Google Health Studies app, Fitbit, or Pixel devices.](https://health.google/consumers/health-studies/). | |
| 185 | The legal grounds for processing this information will depend on how you use Google services and your settings but could include the following: | |
| 163 | 186 | |
| 164 | **Professional, employment, and education information**, such as information [you provide](https://myaccount.google.com/profile) or that is maintained through an organization using Google services at which you study or work. | |
| 187 | - To **perform a contract** with you, such as loading a YouTube video, or processing, fulfilling, and delivering your order when you purchase services or physical goods from us. | |
| 188 | - When necessary for our **legitimate interests** and those of third parties, including to: | |
| 189 | - **Provide, maintain, and improve services to meet the needs of our users**. For example, using contact info (like names and email addresses) of people you interact with in Google products to make it easier to find who you're looking for when you want to share and communicate with these people in other Google services like Gmail, Photos and Assistant. | |
| 190 | - With your **consent**, such as when you choose to share your location with Google Location Sharing. | |
| 165 | 191 | |
| 166 | **Other information you create or provide**, such as the content you create, upload, or receive (like photos and videos or emails, docs and spreadsheets). [Google Dashboard](https://myaccount.google.com/dashboard) allows you to manage information associated with specific products. | |
| 192 | | | |
| 193 | | | |
| 167 | 194 | |
| 168 | **Inferences** drawn from the above, like your [ads interest categories](https://myadcenter.google.com/). | |
| 195 | **To maintain and improve Google services, products, and features** | |
| 169 | 196 | |
| 170 | ### Business purposes for which information may be used or disclosed | |
| 197 | **To maintain the service so it works as intended, such as debugging the service, tracking issues or troubleshooting issues.** | |
| 171 | 198 | |
| 172 | **Protecting against security threats, abuse, and illegal activity**: Google uses and may disclose information to detect, prevent and respond to security incidents, and for protecting against other malicious, deceptive, fraudulent, or illegal activity. For example, to protect our services, Google may receive or disclose information about IP addresses that malicious actors have compromised. | |
| 199 | Examples of processing activities: | |
| 173 | 200 | |
| 174 | **Auditing and measurement**: Google uses information for analytics and measurement to understand how our services are used, as well as to fulfill obligations to our partners like publishers, advertisers, developers, or rights holders. We may disclose non-personally identifiable information publicly and with these partners, including for auditing purposes. | |
| 201 | - We continuously monitor our systems to look for problems. And if we find something wrong with a specific feature, reviewing activity information collected before the problem started allows us to fix things more quickly. | |
| 202 | - We log users' interactions with buttons on apps like Google Maps and Search to help understand if they are functioning as intended. | |
| 175 | 203 | |
| 176 | **Maintaining our services**: Google uses information to ensure our services are working as intended, such as tracking outages or troubleshooting bugs and other issues that you report to us. | |
| 204 | **To make improvements to Google services and to help improve the safety and reliability of these services, such as to detect, prevent, and respond to fraud, abuse, security risks, and technical issues that could harm the service or users.** | |
| 177 | 205 | |
| 178 | **Research and development**: Google uses information to improve our services and to develop new products, features and technologies that benefit our users and the public. For example, we use publicly available information to help train Google's AI models and build products and features like Google Translate, Gemini Apps, and Cloud AI capabilities. | |
| 206 | Examples of processing activities: | |
| 179 | 207 | |
| 180 | **Use of service providers**: Google shares information with service providers to perform services on our behalf, in compliance with our Privacy Policy and other appropriate confidentiality and security measures. For example, we may rely on service providers to help provide customer support. | |
| 208 | - We analyze data about your interactions with our services to help us build better products. For example, it may help us discover that it's taking people too long to complete a certain task or that they have trouble finishing steps at all. We can then redesign that feature and improve the product for everyone. | |
| 209 | - We analyze which search terms are most frequently misspelled to help us improve spell-check features used across our services. | |
| 210 | - We analyze usage of Google Translate to improve translation quality and increase the availability of Translate in more languages. | |
| 211 | - We analyze queries on Google Shopping in order to determine which products, merchants, and brands are relevant to different kinds of queries. | |
| 212 | - Google Chrome's Safe Browsing feature can send information about suspicious websites between a user's browser and Google's servers to help protect against phishing, malware, malicious ads, and more. | |
| 181 | 213 | |
| 182 | **Advertising**: Google processes information to provide advertising, including online identifiers, browsing and search activity, and information about your location and interactions with advertisements. This keeps Google's services and many of the websites and services you use free of charge. You can control what information we use to show you ads by visiting your ad settings in [My Ad Center](https://myadcenter.google.com/). | |
| 214 | | | |
| 183 | 215 | |
| 184 | **Legal reasons**: Google also uses information to satisfy applicable laws or regulations, and discloses information in response to legal process or enforceable government requests, including to law enforcement. We provide information about the number and type of requests we receive from governments in our [Transparency Report](https://transparencyreport.google.com/user-data/overview). | |
| 216 | The information processed will depend on how you use Google services and your settings but could include the following: | |
| 185 | 217 | |
| 186 | ### Parties with whom information may be disclosed | |
| 218 | - [Things you create or provide to us](https://policies.google.com/privacy): | |
| 219 | - Content you create, upload, or receive (like photos, videos, emails, docs and spreadsheets). [Google Dashboard](https://myaccount.google.com/dashboard) allows you to manage information associated with specific products. | |
| 220 | - Personal information that you provide us when you create a Google Account (like your [name](https://myaccount.google.com/personal-info) and password, [phone number](https://myaccount.google.com/phone), date of birth, or [payment information](https://myaccount.google.com/payments-and-subscriptions)). | |
| 221 | - [Information that we collect as you use our services](https://policies.google.com/privacy): | |
| 222 | - [Information about your apps, browsers & devices](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as [unique identifiers](https://policies.google.com/privacy) tied to the browser, application, or device you're using; and information about the interaction of your apps, browsers, and devices with our services, (like IP address, crash reports, and system activity). | |
| 223 | - [Information about your activity in our services](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as your search terms, Chrome browsing history you've synced with your Google Account, your views and interactions with content and ads, and your activity on third-party sites and apps that use our services. You can review and control activity data stored in your Google Account in [My Activity](https://myactivity.google.com/myactivity). | |
| 224 | - [Location information](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as may be determined by GPS, IP address, and other data from sensors on or around your device, depending in part on your device and account settings. | |
| 225 | - [Information from publicly accessible sources](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as information that's publicly available online (like if your name appears in a local newspaper article) or from other public sources. | |
| 226 | - [Information from our trusted partners](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as from directory services who provide us with business information to be displayed on Google's services, or security partners who provide us with information to protect against abuse. | |
| 187 | 227 | |
| 188 | **Other people with whom you choose to share your information**, like docs or photos, videos or comments on YouTube, or health information through Fitbit's social features and third party applications. | |
| 228 | | | |
| 189 | 229 | |
| 190 | **Third parties with your consent**, such as services that integrate with Google's services. You can [review and manage third party apps and sites](https://myaccount.google.com/permissions) with access to data in your Google Account. See more details about [when Google shares your information](https://policies.google.com/privacy). | |
| 230 | The legal grounds for processing this information will depend on how you use Google services and your settings but could include the following: | |
| 191 | 231 | |
| 192 | **Service providers**, trusted businesses, or persons that process information on Google's behalf, based on our instructions and in compliance with our Privacy Policy and any other appropriate confidentiality and security measures. | |
| 232 | - To **perform a contract** with you, such as using logs of interactions with Google apps to ensure they are working as intended. | |
| 233 | - When necessary for our **legitimate interests** and those of third parties, including to: | |
| 234 | - **Provide, maintain, and improve services to meet the needs of our users.** For example, analyzing which search terms are most frequently misspelled to help us improve spell-check features used across our services. | |
| 235 | - **Understand how people use our services to ensure and improve the performance of our services.** For example, analyzing usage of Google Translate to improve translation quality and increase the availability of Translate in more languages. | |
| 236 | - **Perform research that improves our services for our users and benefits the public.** For example, improving Google Translate's translation quality and increasing the availability of Translate in more languages. | |
| 193 | 237 | |
| 194 | [Domain administrators](https://support.google.com/a/answer/6208960), if you work or study at an organization that uses Google services. | |
| 238 | | | |
| 239 | | | |
| 195 | 240 | |
| 196 | **Law enforcement or other third parties**, for the legal reasons described in [Sharing your information](https://policies.google.com/privacy). | |
| 241 | **To develop new Google services, products and features** | |
| 197 | 242 | |
| 243 | Examples of processing activities: | |
| 244 | ||
| 245 | - Understanding how people organized their photos in Picasa, Google's first photos app, helped us design and launch Google Photos. | |
| 246 | - Understanding how users view and creators generate short-form content helped Google develop new YouTube services. | |
| 247 | - Depending on your settings, we can save audio recordings of voice interactions with services like Google Search, Assistant, Maps, and Gboard to develop and improve Google audio technologies. | |
| 248 | - We use publicly available information online or from other public sources to help train new machine learning models and build foundational technologies that power various Google products such as Google Translate, Gemini Apps, and Cloud AI capabilities. | |
| 249 | - We use your interactions with AI models and technologies like Gemini Apps to develop, train, fine-tune, and improve these models to better handle your requests, and update their classifiers and filters including for safety, language understanding, and factuality. | |
+ ADDEDNew disclosure: Gemini/AI interactions used to train models The policy now explicitly states that your interactions with AI products like Gemini Apps are used to train, fine-tune, and improve Google's AI models. | ||
| 250 | ||
| 251 | | | |
| 252 | ||
| 253 | The information processed will depend on how you use Google services and your settings but could include the following: | |
| 254 | ||
| 255 | - [Things you create or provide to us](https://policies.google.com/privacy): | |
| 256 | - Content you create, upload, or receive (like photos, videos, emails, docs and spreadsheets). [Google Dashboard](https://myaccount.google.com/dashboard) allows you to manage information associated with specific products. | |
| 257 | - Personal information that you provide us when you create a Google Account (like your [name](https://myaccount.google.com/personal-info) and password, [phone number](https://myaccount.google.com/phone), date of birth, or [payment information](https://myaccount.google.com/payments-and-subscriptions)). | |
| 258 | - [Information that we collect as you use our services](https://policies.google.com/privacy): | |
| 259 | - [Information about your apps, browsers & devices](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as [unique identifiers](https://policies.google.com/privacy) tied to the browser, application, or device you're using; and information about the interaction of your apps, browsers, and devices with our services, (like IP address, crash reports, and system activity). | |
| 260 | - [Information about your activity in our services](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as your search terms, Chrome browsing history you've synced with your Google Account, your views and interactions with content and ads, and your activity on third-party sites and apps that use our services. You can review and control activity data stored in your Google Account in [My Activity](https://myactivity.google.com/myactivity). | |
| 261 | - [Location information](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as may be determined by GPS, IP address, and other data from sensors on or around your device, depending in part on your device and account settings. | |
| 262 | - [Information from publicly accessible sources](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as information that's publicly available online (like if your name appears in a local newspaper article) or from other public sources. | |
| 263 | - [Information from our trusted partners](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as from directory services who provide us with business information to be displayed on Google's services, or security partners who provide us with information to protect against abuse. | |
| 264 | ||
| 265 | | | |
| 266 | ||
| 267 | The legal grounds for processing this information will depend on how you use Google services and your settings but could include the following: | |
| 268 | ||
| 269 | - When necessary for our **legitimate interests** and those of third parties, including to: | |
| 270 | - **Develop new products and features that are useful for our users.** For example, understanding how people used photos in Picasa, Google's first photos app, helped us design and launch Google Photos. Or using information that's publicly available online or from other public sources to help train Google's AI models and build products and features using these foundational technologies, like Google Translate, Gemini Apps, and Cloud AI capabilities. | |
| 271 | - **Provide, maintain, and improve services to meet the needs of our users.** For example, using information about your activity in our services, like your interactions with Gemini Apps, to train and improve machine learning models, and update their language understanding capabilities, safety classifiers and filters. | |
| 272 | - With your **consent**, such as saving audio recordings of voice interactions with Google Search, Assistant, Maps, and Gboard to develop and improve Google audio technologies. | |
| 273 | ||
| 274 | | | |
| 275 | | | |
| 276 | ||
| 277 | **To provide personalized services, including content and ads** | |
| 278 | ||
| 279 | **To customize our services for you, including providing recommendations, personalized content, and customized search results.** | |
| 280 | ||
| 281 | Examples of processing activities: | |
| 282 | ||
| 283 | - Google's Security Checkup feature provides security tips adapted to how you use Google products. | |
| 284 | - Google News may provide you with local news results based on your approximate location. | |
| 285 | - Google Search may provide you with results based on your approximate location. | |
| 286 | - Google Assistant can use your contacts to send a message at your request, like "Send a text to John Smith." | |
| 287 | - Google Play uses information like apps you've already installed and videos you've watched on YouTube to suggest new apps you might like. | |
| 288 | - We may display a Google Doodle on the Search homepage to celebrate an event specific to your country. | |
| 289 | - Google can show you ads based on the context of the site you're visiting, like ads for gardening equipment on a page about gardening tips. | |
| 290 | - When you're signed in to your Google Account and have the Web & App Activity control enabled, you can get more relevant search results that are based on your previous searches and activity from other Google services. | |
| 291 | ||
| 292 | **Depending on your settings, to show you personalized ads based on your interests.** | |
| 293 | ||
| 294 | Examples of processing activities: | |
| 295 | ||
| 296 | - If you search for "mountain bikes" or watch videos of mountain biking, you may see an ad for sports equipment in your search results or on YouTube. | |
| 297 | - If you watch videos about baking on YouTube, you may see more ads that relate to baking as you browse the web. | |
| 298 | - You may also see personalized ads based on information from the advertiser. If you shopped on an advertiser's website, for example, they can use that visit information to show you ads. | |
| 299 | ||
| 300 | | | |
| 301 | ||
| 302 | The information processed will depend on how you use Google services and your settings but could include the following: | |
| 303 | ||
| 304 | - [Things you create or provide to us](https://policies.google.com/privacy): | |
| 305 | - Content you create, upload, or receive (like photos, videos, emails, docs and spreadsheets). [Google Dashboard](https://myaccount.google.com/dashboard) allows you to manage information associated with specific products. | |
| 306 | - Personal information that you provide us when you create a Google Account (like your [name](https://myaccount.google.com/personal-info) and password, [phone number](https://myaccount.google.com/phone), date of birth, or [payment information](https://myaccount.google.com/payments-and-subscriptions)). | |
| 307 | - [Information that we collect as you use our services](https://policies.google.com/privacy): | |
| 308 | - [Information about your apps, browsers & devices](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as [unique identifiers](https://policies.google.com/privacy) tied to the browser, application, or device you're using; and information about the interaction of your apps, browsers, and devices with our services, (like IP address, crash reports, and system activity). | |
| 309 | - [Information about your activity in our services](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as your search terms, Chrome browsing history you've synced with your Google Account, your views and interactions with content and ads, and your activity on third-party sites and apps that use our services. You can review and control activity data stored in your Google Account in [My Activity](https://myactivity.google.com/myactivity). | |
| 310 | - [Location information](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as may be determined by GPS, IP address, and other data from sensors on or around your device, depending in part on your device and account settings. | |
| 311 | - [Information from publicly accessible sources](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as information that's publicly available online (like if your name appears in a local newspaper article) or from other public sources. | |
| 312 | - [Information from our trusted partners](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as from directory services who provide us with business information to be displayed on Google's services, or security partners who provide us with information to protect against abuse. | |
| 313 | ||
| 314 | | | |
| 315 | ||
| 316 | The legal grounds for processing this information will depend on how you use Google services and your settings but could include the following: | |
| 317 | ||
| 318 | - To **perform a contract** with you, such as when Google Assistant uses your contacts to send a message at your request, like "Send a text to John Smith." | |
| 319 | - When necessary for our **legitimate interests** and those of third parties, including to: | |
| 320 | - **Customize our services to provide you with a better user experience.** For example, displaying a Google Doodle on the Search homepage to celebrate an event specific to your country, providing security tips adapted to how you use Google products, or tailoring the experience to be age-appropriate, if relevant. | |
| 321 | - **Provide advertising, which allows us to offer many of our services without a fee.** For example, showing you ads based on the context of the site you're visiting, like ads for gardening equipment on a page about gardening tips. (And when ads are personalized, we ask for your consent.) | |
| 322 | - With your **consent**, such as recommending apps on Google Play based on videos you've watched on YouTube, or showing you personalized ads based on your interests, like ads that relate to baking as you browse the web after watching videos about baking on YouTube. | |
| 323 | ||
| 324 | | | |
| 325 | | | |
| 326 | ||
| 327 | **To measure performance - We use data for analytics and measurement to understand how our services are used.** | |
| 328 | ||
| 329 | Examples of processing activities: | |
| 330 | ||
| 331 | - We analyze data about your visits to our sites to do things like optimize product design. | |
| 332 | - We use data about the ads you interact with to help advertisers understand the performance of their ad campaigns. | |
| 333 | - We use data about which places users click most on Google Earth to understand which features are popular and to identify bugs. | |
| 334 | - Google Search measures the number of times a particular query has been made, and how users perceive the quality of their search results, to make Search more useful. | |
| 335 | - Google Translate analyzes data on the number of translations made and the number of times a translation is marked as poor quality, in order to identify potential new features and address issues that users are experiencing on the service. | |
| 336 | - We may share non-personally identifiable information with our partners like content licensors to accompany royalty payments. | |
| 337 | ||
| 338 | | | |
| 339 | ||
| 340 | The information processed will depend on how you use Google services and your settings but could include the following: | |
| 341 | ||
| 342 | - [Things you create or provide to us](https://policies.google.com/privacy): | |
| 343 | - Content you create, upload, or receive (like photos, videos, emails, docs and spreadsheets). [Google Dashboard](https://myaccount.google.com/dashboard) allows you to manage information associated with specific products. | |
| 344 | - Personal information that you provide us when you create a Google Account (like your [name](https://myaccount.google.com/personal-info) and password, [phone number](https://myaccount.google.com/phone), date of birth, or [payment information](https://myaccount.google.com/payments-and-subscriptions)). | |
| 345 | - [Information that we collect as you use our services](https://policies.google.com/privacy): | |
| 346 | - [Information about your apps, browsers & devices](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as [unique identifiers](https://policies.google.com/privacy) tied to the browser, application, or device you're using; and information about the interaction of your apps, browsers, and devices with our services, (like IP address, crash reports, and system activity). | |
| 347 | - [Information about your activity in our services](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as your search terms, Chrome browsing history you've synced with your Google Account, your views and interactions with content and ads, and your activity on third-party sites and apps that use our services. You can review and control activity data stored in your Google Account in [My Activity](https://myactivity.google.com/myactivity). | |
| 348 | - [Location information](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as may be determined by GPS, IP address, and other data from sensors on or around your device, depending in part on your device and account settings. | |
| 349 | - [Information from publicly accessible sources](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as information that's publicly available online (like if your name appears in a local newspaper article) or from other public sources. | |
| 350 | - [Information from our trusted partners](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as from directory services who provide us with business information to be displayed on Google's services, or security partners who provide us with information to protect against abuse. | |
| 351 | ||
| 352 | | | |
| 353 | ||
| 354 | The legal grounds for processing this information will depend on how you use Google services and your settings but could include the following: | |
| 355 | ||
| 356 | - When necessary for our **legitimate interests** and those of third parties, including to: | |
| 357 | - **Understand how people use our services to ensure and improve the performance of our services.** For example, analyzing usage of Google Translate to improve translation quality and increase the availability of Translate in more languages. | |
| 358 | - **Detect, prevent, or otherwise address fraud, abuse, security, or technical issues with our services.** For example, monitoring usage patterns on Google Earth to identify bugs. | |
| 359 | - **Provide, maintain, and improve services to meet the needs of our users.** For example, analyzing the number of times a translation is marked as poor quality on Google Translate in order to address issues that users are experiencing on the service. | |
| 360 | - **Develop new products and features that are useful for our users.** For example, analyzing data on the number of translations made on Google Translate to identify potential new features. | |
| 361 | - **Fulfill obligations to our partners like developers and rights holders.** For example, providing reporting to content licensors to accompany royalty payments. | |
| 362 | ||
| 363 | | | |
| 364 | | | |
| 365 | ||
| 366 | **To communicate with you - We use information we collect, like your email address, to interact with you directly.** | |
| 367 | ||
| 368 | Examples of processing activities: | |
| 369 | ||
| 370 | - We may send you a notification if we detect suspicious activity, like an attempt to sign in to your Google Account from an unusual location. | |
| 371 | - We may let you know about upcoming changes or improvements to our services. | |
| 372 | - If you contact Google, we'll keep a record of your request in order to help solve any issues you might be facing. | |
| 373 | - Google services like Photos may send you marketing communications about its product offerings like printing promotions, depending on your settings. | |
| 374 | - Google services like YouTube Premium and YouTube Music Premium may notify you about upcoming changes to your subscription. | |
| 375 | ||
| 376 | | | |
| 377 | ||
| 378 | The information processed will depend on how you use Google services and your settings but could include the following: | |
| 379 | ||
| 380 | - [Things you create or provide to us](https://policies.google.com/privacy): | |
| 381 | - Content you create, upload, or receive (like photos, videos, emails, docs and spreadsheets). [Google Dashboard](https://myaccount.google.com/dashboard) allows you to manage information associated with specific products. | |
| 382 | - Personal information that you provide us when you create a Google Account (like your [name](https://myaccount.google.com/personal-info) and password, [phone number](https://myaccount.google.com/phone), date of birth, or [payment information](https://myaccount.google.com/payments-and-subscriptions)). | |
| 383 | - [Information that we collect as you use our services](https://policies.google.com/privacy): | |
| 384 | - [Information about your apps, browsers & devices](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as [unique identifiers](https://policies.google.com/privacy) tied to the browser, application, or device you're using; and information about the interaction of your apps, browsers, and devices with our services, (like IP address, crash reports, and system activity). | |
| 385 | - [Information about your activity in our services](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as your search terms, Chrome browsing history you've synced with your Google Account, your views and interactions with content and ads, and your activity on third-party sites and apps that use our services. You can review and control activity data stored in your Google Account in [My Activity](https://myactivity.google.com/myactivity). | |
| 386 | - [Location information](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as may be determined by GPS, IP address, and other data from sensors on or around your device, depending in part on your device and account settings. | |
| 387 | - [Information from publicly accessible sources](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as information that's publicly available online (like if your name appears in a local newspaper article) or from other public sources. | |
| 388 | - [Information from our trusted partners](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as from directory services who provide us with business information to be displayed on Google's services, or security partners who provide us with information to protect against abuse. | |
| 389 | ||
| 390 | | | |
| 391 | ||
| 392 | The legal grounds for processing this information will depend on how you use Google services and your settings but could include the following: | |
| 393 | ||
| 394 | - To **perform a contract** with you, such as when you contact Google for support or sign up for communications about product updates. | |
| 395 | - When necessary for our **legitimate interests** and those of third parties, including to: | |
| 396 | - **Provide, maintain, and improve services to meet the needs of our users.** For example, informing you about our services, such as to let you know about upcoming changes or improvements to our services. | |
| 397 | - **Marketing to inform users about our services.** For example, emailing users of Photos about a printing promotion. | |
| 398 | ||
| 399 | | | |
| 400 | | | |
| 401 | ||
| 402 | **To protect Google, our users, and the public** | |
| 403 | ||
| 404 | **To help improve the safety and reliability of our services, including detecting, preventing, and responding to fraud, abuse, security risks, and technical issues that could harm Google, our users, or the public.** | |
| 405 | ||
| 406 | Examples of processing activities: | |
| 407 | ||
| 408 | - We collect and analyze IP addresses and cookie data to protect against automated abuse. This abuse takes many forms, such as sending spam to Gmail users, stealing money from advertisers by fraudulently clicking on ads, or censoring content by launching a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack. | |
| 409 | - The "last account activity" feature in Gmail can help you find out if and when someone accessed your email without your knowledge. This feature shows you information about recent activity in Gmail, such as the IP addresses that accessed your mail, the associated location, and the date and time of access. | |
| 410 | - We analyze your content to help us [detect abuse](https://policies.google.com/privacy) such as spam, malware, and illegal content. For example, YouTube [likeness detection](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/16440338) helps users find and report potential abuse by detecting faces in YouTube videos that appear to be altered or generated by AI. | |
| 411 | - We process information about requests to remove content from our services under Google's content removal policies or applicable law to assess the request, and to ensure transparency, improve accountability and prevent abuse and fraud in these practices. | |
| 412 | ||
| 413 | **To meet any applicable law, regulation, legal process or enforceable governmental request.** | |
| 414 | ||
| 415 | Examples of processing activities: | |
| 416 | ||
| 417 | - Like other technology and communications companies, Google regularly receives requests from governments and courts around the world to disclose user data. Respect for the privacy and security of data you store with Google underpins our approach to complying with these legal requests. Our legal team reviews each and every request, regardless of type, and we frequently push back when a request appears to be overly broad or doesn't follow the correct process. | |
| 418 | - Certain laws require us to share information with regulators and third parties, such as researchers and authorized out-of-court dispute bodies. | |
| 419 | - Legal obligations sometimes require us to retain certain information for purposes like financial record-keeping, such as information about a payment you've made to Google for tax or accounting purposes. | |
| 420 | - Various laws and regulations require us to put in place measures to confirm that our users are old enough to use our services. To help determine your age, we process the date of birth you provide. We also process information about your activity in our services, both when you're signed in to a Google Account or signed out, and use machine learning technology to determine if you are likely over 18. In certain cases, if we cannot confirm that you are old enough to use our services by other means, we can request other information to verify your age, like your government ID, credit card, a photo of you, or your phone number. | |
+ ADDEDNew disclosure: expanded age-verification data collection The policy now describes using machine learning on your signed-in and signed-out activity to estimate your age, and says Google may request additional sensitive documents — a government ID, credit card, a photo of you, or your phone number — if it cannot otherwise verify you're old enough to use its services. | ||
| 421 | ||
| 422 | | | |
| 423 | ||
| 424 | The information processed will depend on how you use Google services and your settings but could include the following: | |
| 425 | ||
| 426 | - [Things you create or provide to us](https://policies.google.com/privacy): | |
| 427 | - Content you create, upload, or receive (like photos, videos, emails, docs and spreadsheets). [Google Dashboard](https://myaccount.google.com/dashboard) allows you to manage information associated with specific products. | |
| 428 | - Personal information that you provide us when you create a Google Account (like your [name](https://myaccount.google.com/personal-info) and password, [phone number](https://myaccount.google.com/phone), date of birth, or [payment information](https://myaccount.google.com/payments-and-subscriptions)). | |
| 429 | - [Information that we collect as you use our services](https://policies.google.com/privacy): | |
| 430 | - [Information about your apps, browsers & devices](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as [unique identifiers](https://policies.google.com/privacy) tied to the browser, application, or device you're using; and information about the interaction of your apps, browsers, and devices with our services, (like IP address, crash reports, and system activity). | |
| 431 | - [Information about your activity in our services](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as your search terms, Chrome browsing history you've synced with your Google Account, your views and interactions with content and ads, and your activity on third-party sites and apps that use our services. You can review and control activity data stored in your Google Account in [My Activity](https://myactivity.google.com/myactivity). | |
| 432 | - [Location information](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as may be determined by GPS, IP address, and other data from sensors on or around your device, depending in part on your device and account settings. | |
| 433 | - [Information from publicly accessible sources](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as information that's publicly available online (like if your name appears in a local newspaper article) or from other public sources. | |
| 434 | - [Information from our trusted partners](https://policies.google.com/privacy), such as from directory services who provide us with business information to be displayed on Google's services, or security partners who provide us with information to protect against abuse. | |
| 435 | ||
| 436 | | | |
| 437 | ||
| 438 | The legal grounds for processing this information will depend on how you use Google services and your settings but could include the following: | |
| 439 | ||
| 440 | - When necessary for our **legitimate interests** and those of third parties, including to: | |
| 441 | - **Enforce legal claims, including investigation of potential violations of applicable Terms of Service.** For example, analyzing content to help us detect abuse such as spam, malware, and illegal content. | |
| 442 | - **Detect, prevent, or otherwise address fraud, abuse, security, or technical issues with our services.** For example, collecting and analyzing IP addresses and cookie data to protect against automated abuse. | |
| 443 | - **Protect against harm to the rights, property or safety of Google, our users, or the public, including disclosing information to government authorities.** For example, responding to legal process or enforceable requests from governments and courts to disclose data, after carefully reviewing each request to make sure it satisfies applicable laws. | |
| 444 | - **Perform research that improves our services for our users and benefits the public.** For example, processing information about [requests to remove content](https://support.google.com/legal/answer/3110420) from our services to educate the public, facilitate research, and provide transparency about these requests. | |
| 445 | - When necessary to protect the **vital interests** of you or another person. For example, processing data to detect and combat online child sexual abuse. | |
| 446 | - When we have a **legal obligation** to do so, such as retaining certain information for purposes like financial record-keeping, or processing and retaining information to help ensure that users are old enough to use our services. | |
| 447 | ||
| 448 | | | |
| 449 | ||
| 450 | ### Linking your Google services | |
| 451 | ||
| 452 | If you're a user in the EU, we offer you the choice to keep certain Google services linked. You can learn more about your linked services and how to manage your choices at [About DMA & Your Linked Services](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/14202510). | |
+ ADDEDNew 'Linking your Google services' section for EU users A new short section tells EU users they have a choice to keep certain Google services linked, pointing to Google's account-linking controls (related to EU Digital Markets Act compliance). | ||
| 453 | ||
| 198 | 454 | ## Key terms |
| 199 | 455 | |
| 200 | 456 | ### Affiliates |
| 201 | 457 | |
| 202 | 458 | An affiliate is an entity that belongs to the Google group of companies, including the following companies that provide consumer services in the EU: Google Ireland Limited, Google Commerce Ltd, Google Payment Corp, and Google Dialer Inc. Learn more about the [companies providing business services in the EU](https://privacy.google.com/businesses/affiliates). |
| 203 | 459 | |
| 275 | 531 | On other platforms besides browsers, unique identifiers are used to recognize a specific device or app on that device. For example, a unique identifier such as the Advertising ID is used to provide relevant advertising on Android devices, and can be [managed](https://policies.google.com/technologies/ads) in your device's settings. Unique identifiers may also be incorporated into a device by its manufacturer (sometimes called a universally unique ID or UUID), such as the IMEI-number of a mobile phone. For example, a device's unique identifier can be used to customize our service to your device or analyze device issues related to our services. |
| 276 | 532 | |
| 277 | 533 | ## Additional Context |
| 278 | 534 | |
| 279 | 535 | ### Activity on Google Services |
| 280 | 536 | |
| 281 | For example, if you're signed in to your Google Account and have Search Services History or Web & App Activity turned on, your activity data on Google sites, apps, and services that use those settings may be saved as history in your Google Account. Some activity may include information about the general area you were in when using the Google service. When you search for something using a general area, your search will use an area of at least 3 sq km, or expand until the area represents the locations of at least 1,000 people. This helps protect your privacy. | |
| 537 | If you're signed in to your Google Account and have Web & App Activity turned on, your activity data on Google sites, apps, and services may be saved in your account's Web & App Activity. Some activity may include information about the general area you were in when using the Google service. When you search for something using a general area, your search will use an area of at least 3 sq km, or expand until the area represents the locations of at least 1,000 people. This helps protect your privacy. | |
| 282 | 538 | |
| 283 | In some cases, depending on your [personalization settings](https://myactivity.google.com/activitycontrols) like Personalized Recommendations in Search services, areas that you have searched from in the past may be used to estimate a relevant location for your search. For example, if you search for coffee shops while in Chelsea, Google might show results for Chelsea in future searches. | |
| 539 | In some cases, areas that you have searched from in the past may be used to estimate a relevant location for your search. For example, if you search for coffee shops while in Chelsea, Google might show results for Chelsea in future searches. | |
| 284 | 540 | |
| 285 | You can view and control your Search Services History and Web & App Activity at [My Activity](https://myactivity.google.com/myactivity). | |
| 541 | You can view and control your Web & App Activity at [My Activity](https://myactivity.google.com/activitycontrols). | |
| 286 | 542 | |
| 287 | 543 | ### activity on third-party sites and apps that use our services |
| 288 | 544 | |
| 289 | 545 | Websites and apps that integrate Google services like ads and analytics share information with us. |
| 290 | 546 | |
| 291 | 547 | This information is shared regardless of which browser or browser mode you use. For example, although Incognito mode in Chrome can help keep your browsing private from other people who use your device, third party sites and apps that integrate our services still share information with Google when you visit them. |
| 299 | 555 | For example, merchants may upload data from their loyalty-card programs so that they can include loyalty information in search or shopping results, or better understand the performance of their ad campaigns. We only provide aggregated reports to advertisers that don't reveal information about individual people. |
| 300 | 556 | |
| 301 | 557 | ### Android device with Google apps |
| 302 | 558 | |
| 303 | 559 | Android devices with Google apps include devices sold by Google or one of our partners and include phones, cameras, vehicles, wearables, and televisions. These devices use Google Play Services and other pre-installed apps that include services like Gmail, Maps, your phone's camera and phone dialer, text-to-speech conversion, keyboard input, and security features. Learn more about [Google Play Services](https://support.google.com/android/answer/10546414). |
| 304 | 560 | |
| 561 | ### appropriate safeguards | |
| 562 | ||
| 563 | For example, we may anonymize data, or encrypt data to ensure it can't be linked to other information about you. [Learn more](https://policies.google.com/technologies/anonymization) | |
| 564 | ||
| 565 | ### benefits the public | |
| 566 | ||
| 567 | For example, we process information about [requests to remove content](https://support.google.com/legal/answer/3110420) from our services to educate the public, facilitate research, and provide transparency about these requests. | |
| 568 | ||
| 569 | ### customized search results | |
| 570 | ||
| 571 | For example, when you're signed in to your Google Account and have the Web & App Activity control enabled, you can get more relevant search results that are based on your previous searches and activity from other Google services. You can [learn more here](https://support.google.com/websearch). You may also get customized search results even when you're signed out. If you don't want this level of search customization, you can [search and browse privately](https://support.google.com/websearch) or turn off [signed-out search personalization](https://www.google.com/history/optout). | |
| 572 | ||
| 573 | ### Customizing our services | |
| 574 | ||
| 575 | For example, we may display a Google Doodle on the Search homepage to celebrate an event specific to your country. | |
| 576 | ||
| 577 | ### data controller responsible for processing your information | |
| 578 | ||
| 579 | This means the Google affiliate that is responsible for processing your information and for complying with applicable privacy laws. | |
| 580 | ||
| 305 | 581 | ### deliver our services |
| 306 | 582 | |
| 307 | 583 | Examples of how we use your information to deliver our services include: |
| 308 | 584 | |
| 309 | 585 | - We use the IP address assigned to your device to send you the data you requested, such as loading a YouTube video |
| 310 | 586 | - We use unique identifiers stored in cookies on your device to help us authenticate you as the person who should have access to your Google Account |
| 341 | 617 | For example, we use cookies to analyze how people interact with our services. And that analysis can help us build better products. For example, it may help us discover that it's taking people too long to complete a certain task or that they have trouble finishing steps at all. We can then redesign that feature and improve the product for everyone. |
| 342 | 618 | |
| 343 | 619 | ### may link information |
| 344 | 620 | |
| 345 | 621 | For example, a customer may want to use its Google Analytics data to create more relevant ads, or to further analyze its traffic. Using our systems, data generated through Google Analytics can be linked by the Google Analytics customer and by Google to cookies and other technologies that are related to visits to other websites and apps. [Learn more](https://support.google.com/analytics) |
| 346 | 622 | |
| 347 | ### Media (like images, files, audio and video) from your interactions | |
| 348 | ||
| 349 | For example, you can interact with many Google services using your device's microphone or camera, or by uploading multimedia like files, images, screenshots, audio, and video. When your device detects an audio activation command, like "Hey Google," Google records your voice and audio plus a few seconds before the activation. | |
| 350 | ||
| 351 | 623 | ### our users |
| 352 | 624 | |
| 353 | 625 | For example, to prevent abuse and increase transparency and accountability over our online content moderation practices, Google shares data about requests for removal of content from our services with Lumen, which collects and analyzes these requests to facilitate research to help Internet users understand their rights. [Learn more](https://support.google.com/legal/answer/12158374). |
| 354 | 626 | |
| 355 | 627 | ### partner with Google |
| 356 | 628 | |
| 389 | 661 | For example, we may collect information that's publicly available online or from other public sources to help train Google's AI models and build products and features like Google Translate, Gemini Apps, and Cloud AI capabilities. Or, if your business's information appears on a website, we may index and display it on Google services. |
| 390 | 662 | |
| 391 | 663 | ### rely on cookies to function properly |
| 392 | 664 | |
| 393 | 665 | For example, we use a cookie called 'lbcs' that makes it possible for you to open many Google Docs in one browser. Blocking this cookie would prevent Google Docs from working as expected. [Learn more](https://policies.google.com/technologies/cookies) |
| 394 | 666 | |
| 667 | ### remove | |
| 668 | ||
| 669 | For example, as described above, you can [request to remove content](https://support.google.com/legal/answer/3110420), including content that may contain your information, from specific Google services, based on applicable law (including data protection law) and our policies. | |
| 670 | ||
| 395 | 671 | ### safety and reliability |
| 396 | 672 | |
| 397 | 673 | Some examples of how we use your information to help keep our services safe and reliable include: |
| 398 | 674 | |
| 399 | 675 | - Collecting and analyzing IP addresses and cookie data to protect against automated abuse. This abuse takes many forms, such as sending spam to Gmail users, stealing money from advertisers by fraudulently clicking on ads, or censoring content by launching a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack. |
| 400 | 676 | - The "last account activity" feature in Gmail can help you find out if and when someone accessed your email without your knowledge. This feature shows you information about recent activity in Gmail, such as the IP addresses that accessed your mail, the associated location, and the date and time of access. [Learn more](https://support.google.com/mail) |
| 401 | 677 | |
| 402 | ### search results | |
| 403 | ||
| 404 | For example, when you're signed in to your Google Account and have the Personalized Recommendations in Search services control enabled, you can get more relevant search results that are based on your previous searches and activity from other Google services. [Learn more about Personalized Recommendations in Search services](https://support.google.com/websearch). You may also get customized search results even when you're signed out. If you don't want this level of search customization, you can [search and browse privately](https://support.google.com/websearch) or turn off [signed-out search customization](https://www.google.com/history/optout). | |
| 405 | ||
| 406 | 678 | ### sensitive categories |
| 407 | 679 | |
| 408 | 680 | When showing you personalized ads, we use topics that we think might be of interest to you based on your activity. For example, you may see ads for things like "Cooking and Recipes" or "Air Travel." We don't use topics or show personalized ads based on sensitive categories like race, religion, sexual orientation, or health. And we [require the same from advertisers](https://support.google.com/adwordspolicy) that use our services. |
| 409 | 681 | |
| 410 | 682 | ### Sensor data from your device |
| 411 | 683 | |
| 455 | 727 | For example, we process information about [requests to remove content](https://support.google.com/legal/answer/3110420) from our services under Google's content removal policies or applicable law to assess the request, and to ensure transparency, improve accountability and prevent abuse and fraud in these practices. |
| 456 | 728 | |
| 457 | 729 | ### third parties |
| 458 | 730 | |
| 459 | 731 | For example, we process your information to report use statistics to rights holders about how their content was used in our services. We may also process your information if people search for your name and we display search results for sites containing publicly available information about you. |
| 460 | 732 | |
| 461 | ### U.S. state privacy laws | |
| 462 | ||
| 463 | These laws include: | |
| 464 | ||
| 465 | - California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA); | |
| 466 | - Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (VCDPA); | |
| 467 | - Colorado Privacy Act (CPA); | |
| 468 | - Connecticut Act Concerning Personal Data Privacy and Online Monitoring (CTDPA); and | |
| 469 | - Utah Consumer Privacy Act (UCPA) | |
| 470 | - Washington My Health My Data Act (MHDM) | |
| 471 | - Nevada Senate Bill 370 | |
| 472 | - Florida Digital Bill of Rights (FDBR) | |
| 473 | - Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (TDPSA) | |
| 474 | - Oregon Consumer Privacy Act (OCPA) | |
| 475 | - Montana Consumer Data Privacy Act (MTCDPA) | |
| 476 | - New Jersey Senate Bill 332 | |
| 477 | - New Hampshire Senate Bill 255 | |
| 478 | - Nebraska Data Privacy Act (NEDPA) | |
| 479 | - Iowa Consumer Data Protection Act (IACDPA) | |
| 480 | - Delaware Personal Data Privacy Act (DPDPA) | |
| 481 | - Tennessee Information Protection Act (TIPA) | |
| 482 | - Minnesota Consumer Data Privacy Act (MNCDPA) | |
| 483 | - Maryland Online Data Privacy Act of 2024 (MDODPA) | |
| 484 | - Indiana Consumer Data Protection Act (INCDPA) | |
| 485 | - Kentucky Consumer Data Protection Act (KCDPA) | |
| 486 | - Rhode Island Data Transparency and Privacy Protection Act (RIDTPPA) | |
| 487 | ||
| 488 | 733 | ### use the information we collect across our services |
| 489 | 734 | |
| 490 | 735 | Depending on your available settings, some examples of how we use the information we collect across our services include: |
| 491 | 736 | |
| 492 | - When you're signed in to your Google Account and search on Google, you can see search results from the public web, along with relevant information from the content you have in other Google products, like Gmail or Google Calendar. This can include things like the status of your upcoming flights, restaurant, and hotel reservations, or your photos. | |
| 737 | - When you're signed in to your Google Account and search on Google, you can see search results from the public web, along with relevant information from the content you have in other Google products, like Gmail or Google Calendar. This can include things like the status of your upcoming flights, restaurant, and hotel reservations, or your photos. [Learn more](https://support.google.com/websearch) | |
| 493 | 738 | - If you have communicated with someone via Gmail and want to add them to a Google Doc or an event in Google Calendar, Google makes it easy to do so by autocompleting their email address when you start to type in their name. This feature makes it easier to share things with people you know. [Learn more](https://support.google.com/accounts) |
| 494 | - The Google app can use data that you have stored in other Google products to show you personalized content, depending on your settings. For example, if you have searches stored in your Search Services History and have turned on your Personalized Recommendations in Search services setting, the Google app can show you news articles and other information about your interests, like sports scores, based on your activity. | |
| 739 | - The Google app can use data that you have stored in other Google products to show you personalized content, depending on your settings. For example, if you have searches stored in your Web & App Activity, the Google app can show you news articles and other information about your interests, like sports scores, based on your activity. | |
| 495 | 740 | - If you connect your Google Account to your Google Home, you can manage your information and get things done through the Google Assistant. For example, you can add events to your Google Calendar or get your schedule for the day, ask for status updates on your upcoming flight, or send information like driving directions to your phone. [Learn more](https://support.google.com/googlehome) |
| 496 | 741 | - If you're a user in the EU, the decisions you make on linking services will affect how certain Google services can use the data across our services. |
| 497 | 742 | |
| 498 | 743 | ### Views and interactions with content and ads |
| 499 | 744 | |
| 500 | 745 | For example, we collect information about views and interactions with ads so we can provide aggregated reports to advertisers, like telling them whether we served their ad on a page and whether the ad was likely seen by a viewer. We may also measure other interactions, such as how you move your mouse over an ad or if you interact with the page on which the ad appears. |
| 501 | 746 | |
| 747 | ### Voice and audio information | |
| 748 | ||
| 749 | For example, you can choose whether you want Google to save an audio recording to your Google Account when you interact with Google Search, Assistant, and Maps. When your device detects an audio activation command, like "Hey Google," Google records your voice and audio plus a few seconds before the activation. [Learn more](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/6030020) | |
| 750 | ||
| 502 | 751 | ### your activity on other sites and apps |
| 503 | 752 | |
| 504 | 753 | This activity might come from your use of Google services, like from syncing your account with Chrome or your visits to sites and apps that partner with Google. Many websites and apps partner with Google to improve their content and services. For example, a website might use our advertising services (like AdSense) or analytics tools (like Google Analytics), or it might embed other content (such as videos from YouTube). These services may share information about your activity with Google and, depending on your [account settings](https://myaccount.google.com/) and the products in use (for instance, when a partner uses Google Analytics in conjunction with our advertising services), this data may be associated with your personal information. |
| 505 | 754 | |
| 506 | 755 | [Learn more](https://policies.google.com/technologies/partner-sites) about how Google uses data when you use our partners' sites or apps. |
ALSO IN THIS CHANGE, NOT TIED TO ONE LINE
- + ADDEDNew 'European requirements' section added (data controller and GDPR legal bases)
A large new section was added identifying which Google entity (Google Ireland Limited or Google LLC) is the data controller depending on your location, and explaining the GDPR legal bases (contract, legitimate interest, consent, legal obligation, vital interest) for major categories of processing, with a detailed table of examples.
If European Union (EU) or United Kingdom (UK) data protection law applies to the processing of your information, we provide the controls described in this policy so you can exercise your rights to request access to, update, remove, and restrict the processing of your information.
- ± CHANGEDMinor wording change from 'tailor/personalize' to 'customize'
Cosmetic rewording of how personalized services and search results are described; no functional change.
We use the information we collect to tailor our services for you, including providing customized and personalized experiences and recommendations, including things like content, and search results.
We use the information we collect to customize our services for you, including providing recommendations, personalized content, and customized search results.