In the News
Do you know how much data is stored in your Gmail email account? In Google has been tracking nearly everything you buy online — see for yourself with this tool, Nick Statt at The Verge discusses how Google has stored records of all purchase receipts tied to your Gmail account since the account’s creation in what the company explains is a way for users to understand their habits and history better. Statt explains that this history can be deleted, but only manually and only one transaction at a time. Statt furthers that Google continued initiative to create privacy as a right has led to the increase in transparency regarding its data practices, but that this initiative is focused around securing the copious amounts of information obtained from all users, not refrain from collecting the data in the first place.
Our Take
Google has been making a very public stance on the issue surrounding data privacy, and the company has taken tangible steps to show its users that this new priority is being implemented in various ways. However, it can be alarming to suddenly have access to a plethora of personal data that companies have been storing for you for years if not decades. Although having access to this information and having the ability to delete it grants users more autonomy with their data, having to delete transactions one at a time is a tedious task—and that is only for the users who hunt to find the ability to do so. It is crucial that Google and other privacy–focused companies creating an easier way for users to take more control over their data and increase transparency effectively and proactively. Nonetheless, Google continues to move in the right direction towards creating more trust in their data storage and data privacy practices.
Recommendations
How can you protect the privacy of your financial information?
- Understand the risks of putting your personal information into the world, and only share what you have to
- Use safe password practices, and take advantage of Multi-factor Authentication where possible
- Utilize additional security/privacy measures and settings on apps, accounts, and platforms whenever possible
- Minimize the number of accounts that have direct access to your bank account or card numbers
- Know your rights when it comes to data use and storage