Google I/O 2019, Google's annual conference for software. The company unveiled a slew of new products, features, and functions that promise to make personal information more secure. People will now have more control over their data.
The company states that it prefers that user data be kept on devices (e.g. mobile phones, tablets, computers) and not shared with Google or stored in cloud computing centres.
This is a major shift for Google, as the company relies heavily on user data to develop and better operate its AI software, without human intervention.
This move could also affect the advertising sector, which brings in a lot of revenue for Google. Many advertisers choose Google to display their ads because it knows where to target based on its collection of user data.
The conference focused heavily on enhancing privacy. Experts presented new settings in maps, search, updated mobile software, and more.
Specifically, Google's CEO said: "We strongly believe that privacy and security are for everyone, not just a few.".
Stephanie Cuthbertson, Product Manager, advised users to be careful with the information they give out on the Internet.
Companies , based on the data they collect from users' posts, know almost everything about their lives. So, depending on the phase they are in, they can show them ads with products and services that interest them (e.g., if they know someone is getting ready to take a trip, they will show them related products) .
The free download and use of Google Chrome, Snapchat, and other apps and services is due to ads.
However, some were not convinced by Google's statements and stated that a radical change in the way datain order to have real protection and privacy.
Advertising is a big business and brings in a lot of revenue for Google, so it's hard for them to give it up in order to provide security to users.
Other companies, such as Apple, Microsoft , and Facebook, have also emphasized privacy recently.
One of Google's moves to enhance privacy is the addition of an option called "incognito" because it gives users the ability to search streaming services, YouTube, and Google maps without any third party being able to know their activity.
Google also said it is adding a new setting that will automatically delete search and location history (on users' smartphones) - after 3 or 18 months, if users want.
Another move by the company is to strengthen security on Nest home devices, as many users have stated that they have fallen victim to hackers.
Of course, it is difficult for companies to strike the right balance, as on the one hand they need user data to provide their services and generate revenue, but on the other hand, the protection and safety of people is essential.
