Image by The Western Journal
In the age of digital convenience, it’s easy to forget that our interactions with technology sometimes come at a cost to our privacy. One such concern revolves around Google quietly recording our voices for various purposes. But fear not, there are steps you can take to regain control over your privacy.
Here’s a simple guide to stop Google from recording your voice:
Step 1
Start by managing your Google account. Navigate to the Google app and click on “Manage your Google account.”
Step 2
Within your Google account settings, locate the “Data and Privacy” tab. Here, you’ll find options related to your privacy settings.
Step 3
Scroll down to the “History setting” section and find “Web and App activity.” This is where Google stores your audio recordings.
Step 4
Within the “Web and App activity” section, you’ll notice a blue checkmark next to “Voice and Audio Activity.” Uncheck this option to prevent Google from recording your voice.
Once you’ve unchecked the “Voice and Audio Activity” setting, your changes will take effect immediately. You’ll no longer have to worry about Google listening in on your conversations.
It’s important to note that Google claims it only listens to snippets of conversations to recognize specific wake words, such as “Hey Google.” However, concerns about privacy persist, especially considering the potential for unauthorized access to stored data.
Beyond adjusting your Google account settings, here are some additional measures you can take to enhance your privacy:
- Delete Voice Request History: Regularly delete your voice request history to prevent a memory bank of your conversations.
- Use a VPN: Encrypt your internet connection with a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to safeguard your data from third-party access.
- Keep Software Updated: Ensure your devices and software are up-to-date to mitigate security vulnerabilities.
By following these steps and implementing additional security measures, you can protect your privacy in an increasingly connected world. Take control of your digital footprint and safeguard your personal information from prying eyes.