It's understandable to feel concerned about your privacy and whether Google is listening to your conversations. While Google uses your data to improve its services, you can take steps to minimize its access to your conversations.
Here are some ways to limit Google's access to your voice data:
1. Disable Google Assistant
- Google Assistant is a voice-activated service that listens to your conversations to respond to commands. You can disable it on your devices to prevent it from recording your voice.
- To disable Google Assistant, go to your device's settings and find the Google Assistant option. Then, follow the instructions to turn it off.
2. Manage Your Google Account Settings
- Your Google Account settings allow you to control what data Google collects and how it uses it. You can review your privacy settings and choose what information you want to share.
- To access your Google Account settings, visit https://myaccount.google.com/ and navigate to the "Data & privacy" section.
3. Delete Your Voice Recordings
- Google stores your voice recordings for potential use in improving its services. You can delete these recordings directly from your Google Account.
- To delete your voice recordings, visit https://myactivity.google.com/ and choose "Voice & Audio" from the filter options. Then, you can delete individual recordings or all of them.
4. Use a VPN
- A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, making it harder for Google to track your online activity.
- While a VPN won't stop Google from listening to your conversations on your devices, it can help protect your data while browsing the internet.
5. Use Privacy-Focused Browsers
- Some browsers, like Brave and DuckDuckGo, are designed with privacy in mind. They block tracking scripts and limit data collection, making it harder for Google to track your browsing history.
By following these steps, you can take control of your privacy and limit Google's access to your conversations. Remember, it's important to stay informed about how companies use your data and take steps to protect your privacy.
