The policy covers Google apps, sites and devices, Chrome and Android, and Google products embedded in third-party apps
Google describes the services this policy covers in three groups: Google apps, sites and devices (its examples are Search, YouTube and Google Home); platforms such as the Chrome browser and the Android operating system; and products integrated into third-party apps and sites, such as ads, analytics and embedded Google Maps. The third group means Google can collect information under this policy when you use other companies' sites and apps that include Google products, not only when you use a Google-branded service.
Supporting quotations
We build a range of services that help millions of people daily to explore and interact with the world in new ways. Our services include:
Google apps, sites, and devices, like Search, YouTube, and Google Home
Platforms like the Chrome browser and Android operating system
Products that are integrated into third-party apps and sites, like ads, analytics, and embedded Google Maps
Qualifications & exceptions
The named services are examples introduced with the word like; the list is illustrative, not stated as exhaustive.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
What Google collects, and how it is used, depends on how you use services and manage privacy controls
Google says it collects information to provide better services to all users, giving examples that range from working out which language you speak to which ads you will find most useful, which people matter most to you online, or which YouTube videos you might like. It states that the information it collects, and how that information is used, depends on how you use its services and how you manage your privacy controls. The section heading announces that Google wants you to understand the types of information it collects as you use its services.
Supporting quotations
We want you to understand the types of information we collect as you use our services
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, the people who matter most to you online, 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.
Qualifications & exceptions
Collection and use vary with the services you use and the privacy controls you set; the policy does not fix one set of data for every user.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Signed out, Google stores what it collects under unique identifiers tied to your browser, app or device
Google also collects and uses data that is not associated with your account. When you are not signed in to a Google Account, it stores the information it collects with unique identifiers tied to the browser, application or device you are using. Google says this lets it 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 across devices. The personalization section adds that you may get customized search results even when signed out, and that you can turn off signed-out search customization or search and browse privately if you do not want that.
Supporting quotations
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 tied to the browser, application, or device 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 across devices.
You may also get customized search results even when you’re signed out.
Qualifications & exceptions
Signed-out data is tied to browser, app or device identifiers rather than to an account.
Signed-out search customization can be turned off, and private browsing is offered as an alternative.
Not stated here
The linked pages for private search and the signed-out customization opt-out are not supplied.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Signed in, information Google stores with your Google Account is treated as personal information
When you are signed in, Google also collects information that it stores with your Google Account, and it says it treats that information as personal information. This is the dividing line the policy draws between account-linked data and the identifier-linked data it collects when you are signed out.
Supporting quotations
When you’re signed in, we also collect information that we store with your Google Account, which we treat as personal information.
Qualifications & exceptions
Applies to information stored with your Google Account while signed in.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
An account needs a name and password; phone number and payment details are optional; a phone number has several uses
When you create a Google Account you provide personal information that includes your name and a password. You can also choose to add a phone number or payment information. Even without signing in, you might choose to give Google information such as an email address to communicate with Google or receive updates about its services. The policy's definitions add that a phone number you add can be used for different purposes across Google services, depending on your settings, for example to help you regain access if you forget your password, to help people find and connect with you, and to make the ads you see more relevant to you.
Supporting quotations
Things you create or provide to us
When you create a Google Account, you provide us with personal information that includes your name and a password. You can also choose to add a phone number or payment information 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.
If you add your phone number to your account, it can be used for different purposes across Google services, depending on your settings. For example, your phone number can be used to help you access your account if you forget your password, help people find and connect with you, and make the ads you see more relevant to you.
Qualifications & exceptions
Phone number and payment information are optional additions.
Uses of an added phone number depend on your settings and include ad relevance, not only account recovery.
Not stated here
The linked help page about phone-number uses is not supplied.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Google collects content you create, upload or receive: emails, photos and videos, docs, and YouTube comments
Google collects the content you create, upload or receive from others when using its services. Its examples are email you write and receive, photos and videos you save, docs and spreadsheets you create, and comments you make on YouTube videos. Content received from others is included, not only content you author yourself.
Supporting quotations
We also collect the content you create, upload, or receive from others when using our services. This includes things like email you write and receive, photos and videos you save, docs and spreadsheets you create, and comments you make on YouTube videos.
Qualifications & exceptions
The listed items are examples; the rule covers content you create, upload or receive from others while using the services.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Google collects app, browser and device data: identifiers, settings, carrier and phone number, IP address, crash reports
Google collects information about the apps, browsers and devices you use to reach Google services, which it says helps provide features like automatic product updates and dimming your screen when the battery runs low. The information includes unique identifiers, browser type and settings, device type and settings, operating system, mobile network information including carrier name and phone number, and application version number. Google also collects information about how your apps, browsers and devices interact with its services, including IP address, crash reports, system activity, and the date, time and referrer URL of your request.
Supporting quotations
Your apps, browsers & devices
We collect information about the apps, browsers, and devices you use to access Google services, which helps us provide features like automatic product updates and dimming your screen if your battery runs low.
The information we collect includes unique identifiers, browser type and settings, device type and settings, operating system, mobile network information including carrier name and phone number, and application version number. We also collect information about the interaction of your apps, browsers, and devices with our services, including IP address, crash reports, system activity, and the date, time, and referrer URL of your request.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Android devices with Google apps periodically send device, carrier, crash, installed-app and, by settings, usage data
Google collects device information when a Google service on your device contacts its servers, for example when you install an app from the Play Store or when a service checks for automatic updates. If you use an Android device with Google apps, the device periodically contacts Google servers to provide information about the device and its connection to Google services. That information includes your device type and carrier name, crash reports, which apps you have installed and, depending on your device settings, other information about how you are using your Android device. The two linked help pages describing these items are not part of this source.
Supporting quotations
We collect this information when a Google service on your device contacts our servers — for example, when you install an app from the Play Store or when a service checks for automatic updates. If you’re using an Android device with Google apps, your device periodically contacts Google servers to provide information about your device and connection to our services.
crash reports, which apps you've installed, and, depending on your device settings
Qualifications & exceptions
Applies to Android devices with Google apps.
The additional usage information is sent depending on your device settings.
Not stated here
The linked pages on device type and carrier name and on other Android usage information are not supplied.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Activity data may include searches, videos watched, ad interactions, media, purchases, contacts, third-party activity
Google collects information about your activity in its services and gives recommending a YouTube video as an example use. The activity information it collects may include terms you search for, videos you watch, views and interactions with content and ads, media such as images, files, audio and video from your interactions, purchase activity, people with whom you communicate or share content, activity on third-party sites and apps that use Google services, and Chrome browsing history you have synced with your Google Account. The privacy-controls section qualifies this: across many services you can adjust history and personalization controls to choose whether some types of this data are saved in your Google Account, and Web & App Activity has a subsetting controlling whether information about your activity on other sites, apps and devices that use Google services is saved there.
Supporting quotations
Your activity
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:
Terms you search for
Videos you watch
Views and interactions with content and ads
Media (like images, files, audio and video) from your interactions
Purchase activity
People with whom you communicate or share content
Activity on third-party sites and apps that use our services
Chrome browsing history you’ve synced with your Google Account
Across many of our services, you can adjust history and personalization controls to make choices about whether we save some types of data in your Google Account and how we use it to personalize your experience.
Web & App Activity also has a subsetting that lets you control whether some
Qualifications & exceptions
The list is introduced with may include; not every item applies to every user.
History and personalization controls affect whether some activity data is saved to your Google Account, including a Web & App Activity subsetting for third-party-site activity.
Chrome browsing history is included only where you have synced it with your Google Account.
Not stated here
The policy does not state here which activity is collected regardless of these settings.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
If you call or message through Google services, Google may collect call and message log information
If you use Google services to make and receive calls or send and receive messages, Google may collect call and message log information. The examples are your phone number, calling-party and receiving-party numbers, forwarding numbers, sender and recipient email addresses, the time and date of calls and messages, call duration, routing information, and the types and volumes of calls and messages. This describes log data about communications; the content of calls and messages is covered separately by the content card.
Supporting quotations
If you use our services to make and receive calls or send and receive messages, 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.
Qualifications & exceptions
Conditional on using Google services for calls or messages; stated as may collect.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Google collects location from GPS and sensors, IP address, your activity, and nearby Wi-Fi, cell towers and Bluetooth
Google collects location information when you use its services, which it says helps it offer features like driving directions, search results for things near you, and ads based on your location. Depending on the products you use and the settings you choose, Google may use different types of location information: GPS and other sensor data from your device; IP address; activity on Google services such as your searches or places you label like home or work; and information about things near your device such as Wi-Fi access points, cell towers and Bluetooth-enabled devices. The continuation of this section adds that the types of location data collected and how long it is stored depend in part on your device and account settings, for example turning your Android device's location on or off, and that Timeline is something you can turn on if you want a private map of where you go.
Supporting quotations
Your location information
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.
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:
GPS and other sensor data from your device
IP address
Activity on Google services, such as from your searches or places you label like home or work
Information about things near your device, such as Wi-Fi access points, cell towers, and Bluetooth-enabled devices
The types of location data we collect and how long we store it depend in part on your device and account settings.
Qualifications & exceptions
Which location types are used depends on the products you use and the settings you choose.
Types collected and storage duration depend in part on device and account settings; Android device location can be turned off and Timeline is opt-in.
Not stated here
The linked pages about device location settings, Timeline and how Google uses location information are not supplied.
Data Access & Collection · User right or choice
Location types and storage depend on device and account settings; Timeline is opt-in; activity history may hold location
The types of location data Google collects, and how long it stores them, depend in part on your device and account settings. Google gives two examples: you can turn your Android device's location on or off in the device's settings app, and you can turn on Timeline if you want a private map of where you go with your signed-in devices. Separately, 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: activity from services like Search, Maps and Shopping goes to Search Services History, and activity on some other Google sites and apps goes to Web & App Activity. The privacy-controls section confirms that these history controls decide whether such activity is saved and used to personalize your experience. A linked page about how Google uses location information is referenced but not supplied.
Supporting quotations
The types of location data we collect and how long we store it depend in part on your device and account settings.
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.
Your location information
if you have Web & App Activity turned on, your activity from some other Google services are saved in your account so you can get more personalized experiences
Qualifications & exceptions
Device location on Android is a device setting; Timeline must be turned on by you.
Saving of searches and activity that may include location depends on your history settings (Search Services History, Web & App Activity).
The policy says storage duration depends in part on these settings; it does not state durations here.
Not stated here
The linked pages on device location, Timeline and how Google uses location information are not supplied.
Google also collects information about you from public sources and from directory, marketing and security partners
In some circumstances Google collects information about you from publicly accessible sources; its example is that if your name appears in your local newspaper, Google Search may index that article and show it to people who search for your name. Google may also collect information about you from what it calls trusted partners: directory services that supply business information for display on Google services, marketing partners that supply information about potential customers of Google's business services, and security partners that supply information to protect against abuse. Google also receives information from partners in order to provide advertising and research services on those partners' behalf.
Supporting quotations
In some circumstances, 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.
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. We also receive information from partners to provide advertising and research services on their behalf.
Qualifications & exceptions
Public-source collection applies in some circumstances; partner collection is stated as may.
The marketing-partner example concerns potential customers of Google's business services, not consumers generally.
Not stated here
The policy does not identify the partners or say what information they provide beyond these examples.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Google collects and stores information with cookies, pixel tags, local storage, databases and server logs
Google uses various technologies to collect and store information. The ones it names are cookies, pixel tags, local storage such as browser web storage or application data caches, databases, and server logs. The policy's definitions of these terms appear later in the document.
Supporting quotations
We use various technologies to collect and store information, including cookies, pixel tags, local storage, such as browser web storage or application data caches, databases, and server logs.
Qualifications & exceptions
The list is introduced with including; it is not stated as exhaustive.
Data Access & Collection · User right or choice
You can manage information that sites and apps using Google services, like Google Analytics, may share with Google
A further control covers websites and apps that use Google services such as Google Analytics. You can manage the information those sites and apps may share with Google when you visit or interact with them. The policy points to a page about how Google uses information from sites or apps that use its services; that page is not part of this source.
Supporting quotations
Sites and apps that use Google services
Manage information that websites and apps using Google services, like Google Analytics, may share with Google when you visit or interact with their services.
Go to How Google uses information from sites or apps that use our services
Qualifications & exceptions
Concerns information third-party sites and apps may share with Google through Google services they use.
Not stated here
The referenced page on how Google uses information from such sites and apps is not supplied.
Data Access & Collection · Context
A state-law categories table reorganizes the policy's information, starting with identifiers and activity information
Because some U.S. state privacy laws require data practices to be described using specific categories, the policy includes a table that organizes its information under those categories, beginning with the categories of information Google collects. Among them is internet, network and other activity information such as search terms, views and interactions with content and ads, synced Chrome browsing history, app, browser and device interaction data like IP address and crash reports, and activity on third-party sites and apps that use Google services. The following cards record each category listed in this part of the table.
Supporting quotations
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.
Categories of information we collect
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.
Qualifications & exceptions
The table reorganizes information already described elsewhere in the policy; it is not stated to add new practices.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Identifiers include name, password, phone, address, device identifiers, and optional ID documents for YouTube Studio
The identifiers category covers your name and password, phone number and address, and the unique identifiers tied to the browser, application or device you use. Some Google services, like YouTube Studio, offer the option to submit a valid ID such as a passport or driver's license to verify your identity in order to use additional features.
Supporting quotations
Identifiers and similar information such as your
and password, phone number, and address, as well as unique identifiers tied to the browser, application, or device you’re using. Some Google services like
provide the option to submit a valid ID (such as a passport or driver’s license) to verify your identity to use additional features.
Qualifications & exceptions
Submitting a government ID is optional and tied to unlocking additional features in services like YouTube Studio.
Not stated here
The linked YouTube Studio verification page and how ID documents are handled are not supplied.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Demographic info covers age, gender and language; optional creator features may add gender identity, race and ethnicity
The demographic category covers your age, gender and language. If you choose to use optional features like YouTube Creator Demographics, you can also provide additional information such as your gender identity or race and ethnicity.
Supporting quotations
Demographic information, such as your
you can also provide additional information, like your gender identity or race and ethnicity.
Qualifications & exceptions
Gender identity, race and ethnicity are provided only if you choose to use optional features like YouTube Creator Demographics.
Not stated here
The linked YouTube Creator Demographics page is not supplied.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Biometric information is collected only if you choose to provide it, such as fingerprints in product studies
The biometric category applies if you choose to provide such information; the example is fingerprints provided in Google's product development studies.
Supporting quotations
Biometric information if you choose to provide it, such as fingerprints in Google’s product development studies.
Qualifications & exceptions
Conditional on your choosing to provide it.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Activity category: search terms, content and ad interactions, synced Chrome history, device data, third-party activity
The internet, network and other activity information category covers your search terms; views and interactions with content and ads; Chrome browsing history you have synced with your Google Account; information about how your apps, browsers and devices interact with Google services, such as IP address, crash reports and system activity; and activity on third-party sites and apps that use Google services. Google says you can review and control activity data stored in your Google Account in My Activity.
Supporting quotations
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
Categories of information we collect
Qualifications & exceptions
Chrome browsing history is included where synced with your Google Account.
Review and control applies to activity data stored in your Google Account.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Geolocation data from GPS, IP address and sensors depends on settings and may include precise location
The geolocation category covers data that 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 those settings, it may include precise location data, for example GPS data for Android features like navigation or finding your phone. A page about Google's use of location information is referenced but not supplied.
Supporting quotations
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.
Qualifications & exceptions
Collection of geolocation, and whether it is precise, depends in part on your device and account settings.
Not stated here
The referenced page on Google's use of location information is not supplied.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Audio, electronic, visual and similar information includes media from your interactions
The audio, electronic, visual and similar information category includes media, such as images, files, audio and video, from your interactions with Google services.
Supporting quotations
Audio, electronic, visual, and similar information, including media (like images, files, audio and video) from your interactions
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Communications data such as emails is collected if you use Google services to send and receive messages
The communications data category covers data such as emails, if you use Google services to send and receive messages.
Supporting quotations
Communications data, such as emails, if you use our services to send and receive messages.
Qualifications & exceptions
Conditional on using Google services to send and receive messages.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Health information is collected only if you choose to provide it through health features like Fitbit or Pixel
The health information category applies if you choose to provide such information. Examples are your medical history, vital signs and health metrics like blood glucose levels, and other similar information about your physical or mental health, provided in the course of using Google services that offer health-related features, such as the Google Health Studies app, Fitbit or Pixel devices. The U.S. state law cards record the consent and purpose limits that apply to health data under the CCPA and the Washington and Nevada laws.
Supporting quotations
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, in the course of using Google services that offer health-related features, such as the
Qualifications & exceptions
Conditional on your choosing to provide it while using health-related features.
Separate consent and purpose limits apply under the state laws named earlier in this section.
Not stated here
The linked health studies page is not supplied.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Professional, employment and education information may come from you or from your school or employer's Google account
The professional, employment and education information category covers information you provide, or information maintained through an organization using Google services at which you study or work. For managed accounts this means the organization, not only you, is a source of this information.
Supporting quotations
Professional, employment, and education information, such as information
or that is maintained through an organization using Google services at which you study or work.
Qualifications & exceptions
Organizational information applies to users who study or work at an organization using Google services.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Other information you create or provide includes photos, videos, emails, docs and spreadsheets, managed via Dashboard
The category of other information you create or provide covers content you create, upload or receive, such as photos and videos, emails, docs and spreadsheets. Google Dashboard lets you manage information associated with specific products.
Supporting quotations
Other information you create or provide, such as the content you create, upload, or receive (like photos and videos or emails, docs and spreadsheets).
allows you to manage information associated with specific products.
Not stated here
The Dashboard page is not supplied.
Data Access & Collection · Context
Defined terms: an algorithm is a computer's rule set; a device is any computer used to reach Google services
The key terms define an algorithm as a process or set of rules followed by a computer in performing problem-solving operations, and a device as a computer that can be used to access Google services, with desktop computers, tablets, smart speakers and smartphones all counting as devices. These definitions fix the meaning of the policy's statements about algorithms recognizing patterns in data and about device information and identifiers.
Supporting quotations
Algorithm
A process or set of rules followed by a computer in performing problem-solving operations.
Device
A device is a computer that can be used to access Google services. For example, desktop computers, tablets, smart speakers, and smartphones are all considered devices.
Qualifications & exceptions
Device includes smart speakers, so device-based collection and identifiers extend beyond phones and computers.
Data Access & Collection · Context
Defined storage technologies: application data caches, browser web storage, and cookies that recognize your browser
The key terms define the storage technologies named in the collection section. An application data cache is a data repository on a device that can let a web application run offline and load content faster. Browser web storage lets websites store data in a browser on a device; in local storage mode the data persists across sessions and remains retrievable after the browser is closed and reopened, with HTML 5 named as one enabling technology. A cookie is a small file containing a string of characters sent to your computer when you visit a website; on a return visit it lets the site recognize your browser, and cookies may store user preferences and other information. You can configure your browser to refuse all cookies or indicate when one is sent, but some website features or services may not function properly without cookies. Pages on how Google uses cookies and partner-site data are referenced but not supplied.
Supporting quotations
Application data cache
An application data cache is a data repository on a device. It can, for example, enable a web application to run without an internet connection and improve the performance of the application by enabling faster loading of content.
Browser web storage
Browser web storage enables websites to store data in a browser on a device. When used in "local storage" mode, it enables data to be stored across sessions. This makes data retrievable even after a browser has been closed and reopened. One technology that facilitates web storage is HTML 5.
A cookie is a small file containing a string of characters that is sent to your computer when you visit a website. When you visit the site again, the cookie allows that site to recognize your browser. Cookies may store user preferences and other information. You can configure your browser to refuse all cookies or to indicate when a cookie is being sent. However, some website features or services may not function properly without cookies.
Qualifications & exceptions
Refusing cookies is a browser-level choice with a stated functionality trade-off.
Not stated here
The referenced pages on Google's cookie use and partner-site data use are not supplied.
Data Access & Collection · Context
An IP address is assigned to every connected device and can often identify the location it connects from
Every device connected to the Internet is assigned an Internet protocol (IP) address. These numbers are usually assigned in geographic blocks, and an IP address can often be used to identify the location from which a device is connecting. This explains why IP address appears among both the device data and the location data Google collects.
Supporting quotations
IP address
Every device connected to the Internet is assigned a number known as an Internet protocol (IP) address. These numbers are usually assigned in geographic blocks. An IP address can often be used to identify the location from which a device is connecting to the Internet.
Qualifications & exceptions
Location identification from IP is stated as often possible, not always.
Not stated here
The referenced page on how Google uses location information is not supplied.
Data Access & Collection · Context
Personal information identifies you or is reasonably linkable to you; non-identifiable information no longer does
Non-personally identifiable information is information recorded about users so that it no longer reflects or references an individually identifiable user. Personal information is information you provide that personally identifies you, such as your name, email address or billing information, or other data that Google can reasonably link to such information, such as information it associates with your Google Account. The second limb means data tied to your account counts as personal information even if it is not itself identifying, which is why the collection section says account-stored data is treated as personal information.
Supporting quotations
Non-personally identifiable information
This is information that is recorded about users so that it no longer reflects or references an individually-identifiable user.
Personal information
This is information that you provide to us which personally identifies you, such as your name, email address, or billing information, or other data that can be reasonably linked to such information by Google, such as information we associate with your Google Account.
Qualifications & exceptions
Personal information includes data reasonably linkable by Google to identifying information, not only the identifying details themselves.
Personal information is identifying data you provide, plus data Google can reasonably link to it, such as account data
Personal information is defined as information you provide that personally identifies you, such as your name, email address or billing information, or other data that Google can reasonably link to such information, such as information it associates with your Google Account. The definition's second limb brings account-associated data within personal information even when the data itself is not identifying.
Supporting quotations
This is information that you provide to us which personally identifies you, such as your name, email address, or billing information, or other data that can be reasonably linked to such information by Google, such as information we associate with your Google Account.
Personal information
Qualifications & exceptions
Covers both identifying details you provide and data reasonably linkable to them by Google.
Data Access & Collection · Context
Pixel tags track views and email opens, often with cookies; a referrer URL tells a page where your browser came from
A pixel tag is a technology placed on a website or in the body of an email to track certain activity, such as views of a website or when an email is opened, and pixel tags are often used together with cookies. A referrer URL is information a web browser transmits to a destination page, typically when you click a link to it, containing the URL of the last webpage the browser visited. Both terms appear in the collection section: pixel tags among collection technologies and referrer URL among request data Google collects.
Supporting quotations
Pixel tag
A pixel tag is a type of technology placed on a website or within the body of an email for the purpose of tracking certain activity, such as views of a website or when an email is opened. Pixel tags are often used in combination with cookies.
Referrer URL
A Referrer URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is information transmitted to a destination webpage by a web browser, typically when you click a link to that page. The Referrer URL contains the URL of the last webpage the browser visited.
Data Access & Collection · Context
Sensitive personal information: medical facts, racial or ethnic origin, political or religious beliefs, sexuality
Sensitive personal information is defined as a particular category of personal information relating to topics such as confidential medical facts, racial or ethnic origins, political or religious beliefs, or sexuality. The sharing section states Google asks for explicit consent before sharing sensitive personal information, and the ads cards record that personalized ads are not based on sensitive categories.
Supporting quotations
Sensitive personal information
This is a particular category of personal information relating to topics such as confidential medical facts, racial or ethnic origins, political or religious beliefs, or sexuality.
Qualifications & exceptions
The listed topics are examples introduced with such as.
Server logs record each request: IP address, browser type and language, time, and browser-identifying cookies
Like most websites, Google's servers automatically record the page requests made when you visit its sites. These server logs typically include your web request, Internet Protocol address, browser type, browser language, the date and time of your request, and one or more cookies that may uniquely identify your browser. The policy walks through a sample log entry for a search for cars: the IP address assigned by the user's ISP, which may change each connection depending on the service; the date and time of the query; the requested URL including the search query; the browser and operating system; and the unique cookie ID assigned to that computer on its first visit to Google, which is replaced by a new ID if the user deletes the cookie.
Supporting quotations
Server logs
Like most websites, our servers automatically record the page requests made when you visit our sites. These “server logs” typically include your web request, Internet Protocol address, browser type, browser language, the date and time of your request, and one or more cookies that may uniquely identify your browser.
A typical log entry for a search for “cars” looks like this:
123.45.67.89 - 25/Mar/2003 10:15:32 - http://www.google.com/search?q=cars - Chrome 112; OS X 10.15.7 - 740674ce2123e969
123.45.67.89 is the Internet Protocol address assigned to the user by the user’s ISP. Depending on the user’s service, a different address may be assigned to the user by their service provider each time they connect to the Internet.
25/Mar/2003 10:15:32 is the date and time of the query.
http://www.google.com/search?q=cars is the requested URL, including the search query.
Chrome 112; OS X 10.15.7 is the browser and operating system being used.
740674ce2123a969 is the unique cookie ID assigned to this particular computer the first time it visited Google. (Cookies can be deleted by users. If the user has deleted the cookie from the computer since the last time they’ve visited Google, then it will be the unique cookie ID assigned to their device the next time they visit Google from that particular device).
Qualifications & exceptions
The cookie ID is tied to the device and resets if the cookie is deleted; the IP address may change between connections depending on the user's service.
Data Access & Collection · Context
Unique identifiers tag a browser, app or device for security, syncing, preferences and ads, e.g. the Advertising ID
A unique identifier is a string of characters that can uniquely identify a browser, app or device; identifiers vary in how permanent they are, whether users can reset them, and how they can be accessed. They are used for purposes including security and fraud detection, syncing services such as your email inbox, remembering your preferences, and providing personalized advertising; identifiers stored in cookies, for example, let sites display content in your preferred language, and you can configure your browser to refuse all cookies or flag them. On platforms other than browsers, identifiers recognize a specific device or app: the Advertising ID provides relevant advertising on Android devices and can be managed in device settings, and manufacturers may build identifiers into devices (a universally unique ID or UUID, such as a phone's IMEI number), which can be used to customize Google's service to your device or analyze device issues.
Supporting quotations
Unique identifiers
A unique identifier is a string of characters that can be used to uniquely identify a browser, app, or device. Different identifiers vary in how permanent they are, whether they can be reset by users, and how they can be accessed.
Unique identifiers can be used for various purposes, including security and fraud detection, syncing services such as your email inbox, remembering your preferences, and providing personalized advertising. For example, unique identifiers stored in cookies help sites display content in your browser in your preferred language. You can configure your browser to refuse all cookies or to indicate when a cookie is being sent.
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 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.
Qualifications & exceptions
Identifiers differ in permanence and resettability; the Advertising ID is manageable in Android device settings, while manufacturer identifiers like the IMEI are built into the device.
A page on how Google uses cookies is referenced but not supplied.
Not stated here
Whether and how manufacturer identifiers can be reset is not stated.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
History settings save activity with a general area of at least 3 sq km or 1,000 people; past areas may inform results
If you are signed in and have Search Services History or Web & App Activity turned on, your activity 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 service; when you search using a general area, the search uses an area of at least 3 square kilometres, or expands until it represents the locations of at least 1,000 people, which Google says protects your privacy. In some cases, depending on personalization settings like Personalized Recommendations in Search services, areas you searched from in the past may be used to estimate a relevant location for a search, for example showing Chelsea results after you searched for coffee shops while in Chelsea. You can view and control Search Services History and Web & App Activity at My Activity.
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Additional Context
Activity on Google Services
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.
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.
You can view and control your Search Services History and Web & App Activity at
Qualifications & exceptions
Saving as history depends on being signed in with Search Services History or Web & App Activity on.
Location estimation from past search areas depends on personalization settings and applies in some cases.
Not stated here
The personalization settings and My Activity pages are not supplied.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Sites and apps using Google ads or analytics share data with Google in any browser mode; Incognito does not stop this
Websites and apps that integrate Google services like ads and analytics share information with Google. This sharing happens regardless of which browser or browser mode you use: 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 Google services still share information with Google when you visit them. The definition of activity on other sites and apps adds that, depending on your account settings and the products in use, this data may be associated with your personal information. Google points to a page on ways to control the information shared when you interact with such sites and apps; it is not supplied.
Supporting quotations
activity on third-party sites and apps that use our services
Websites and apps that integrate Google services like ads and analytics share information with us.
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.
You can learn more about some of the ways you can control the information that is shared when you visit or interact with sites and apps that use Google services.
These services may share information about your activity with Google and, depending on your
Qualifications & exceptions
Incognito limits visibility to other users of your device; it does not limit what integrated Google services receive.
Association with your personal information depends on your account settings and the products in use.
Not stated here
The referenced controls page for sites and apps using Google services is not supplied.
Android devices with Google apps include phones, cameras, vehicles, wearables and TVs running Google Play Services
Android devices with Google apps include devices sold by Google or one of its 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, the phone's camera and dialer, text-to-speech conversion, keyboard input and security features. The collection section states that such a device periodically contacts Google servers with information about the device and its connection to Google services, so the definition sets the scope of that periodic reporting.
Supporting quotations
Android device with Google apps
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.
If you’re using an Android device with Google apps, your device periodically contacts Google servers to provide information about your device and connection to our services.
Qualifications & exceptions
The definition extends beyond phones to cameras, vehicles, wearables and televisions sold by Google or partners.
Not stated here
The linked Google Play Services page is not supplied.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
With Google Location services on Android, your device sends location, sensor, cell tower and Wi-Fi details to Google
If you use Google's Location services on Android, Google says it can improve the performance of apps that rely on your location, like Google Maps. When you use these services, your device sends Google information about its location, its sensors such as the accelerometer, and nearby cell towers and Wi-Fi access points, including MAC address and signal strength, all of which help determine your location. You can use your device settings to enable Google Location services; a help page is linked but not supplied.
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Information about things near your device
If you use Google’s Location services on Android, we can improve the performance of apps that rely on your location, like Google Maps. If you use Google’s Location services, your device sends information to Google about its location, sensors (like accelerometer), and nearby cell towers and Wi-Fi access points (like MAC address and signal strength). All these things help to determine your location. You can use your device settings to enable Google Location services.
Qualifications & exceptions
Conditional on using Google's Location services, which are enabled through device settings.
Not stated here
The linked Android location help page is not supplied.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Media from microphone, camera and uploads is collected; on "Hey Google", voice plus a few seconds before it is recorded
The media category covers images, files, audio and video from your interactions. Google explains that you can interact with many 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.
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Media (like images, files, audio and video) from your interactions
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.
Qualifications & exceptions
Recording on activation includes a few seconds of audio before the activation command was detected.
Not stated here
How long such recordings are retained is not stated in this block; the retention cards describe general rules.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
You can interact with many Google services by microphone, camera or by uploading files, images, audio and video
The media category's explanation says 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. The previous card records that on an audio activation command Google records your voice and audio plus a few seconds before the activation; this card records the input channels through which media from your interactions reaches Google.
Supporting quotations
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.
Media (like images, files, audio and video) from your interactions
Qualifications & exceptions
Media is collected through the channels you use: microphone, camera and uploads.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Saved home and work addresses are used for directions, nearby results and ads; you can edit or delete them anytime
You might choose to save places that are important to you, such as your home or work, to your Google Account. If you set your home or work addresses, Google can use them to help you do things more easily, such as getting directions or finding results closer to home or work, and for ads. You can edit or delete your home or work addresses at any time in your Google Account.
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Places you label like home and work
You might choose to save places to your Google Account that are important to you, such as your home or your work. If you set your home or work addresses, they can be used to help you do things more easily, such as getting directions or finding results closer to your home or work, and for ads.
You can edit or delete your home or work addresses anytime in your
Qualifications & exceptions
Saving these places is your choice; once set, they are used for ads as well as directions and nearby results.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Google may collect publicly available information to train its AI models and may index business information found online
Explaining publicly accessible sources, Google says it may collect information that is publicly available online or from other public sources to help train its AI models and build products and features like Google Translate, Gemini Apps and Cloud AI capabilities. It also says that if your business's information appears on a website, it may index and display that information on Google services.
Supporting quotations
publicly accessible sources
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.
Qualifications & exceptions
AI training here is tied to publicly available information; both uses are stated as may.
Not stated here
How publicly available information about individuals is treated in model training is not described beyond this statement.
Data Access & Collection · Context
The lbcs cookie lets you open many Google Docs in one browser; blocking it stops Docs working as expected
As an example of a cookie that services rely on, Google uses a cookie called lbcs that makes it possible to open many Google Docs in one browser, and says blocking this cookie would prevent Google Docs from working as expected. This illustrates the trade-off stated in the browser-controls card.
Supporting quotations
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.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Device sensors such as the accelerometer and gyroscope help Google understand your speed and direction of travel
Your device may have sensors that can be used to better understand your location and movement. Google's examples are an accelerometer, used to determine your speed, and a gyroscope, used to figure out your direction of travel. This is the sensor data named among the location information Google collects. A page about how Google uses location information is referenced but not supplied.
Supporting quotations
Sensor data from your device
Your device may have sensors that can be used to better understand your location and movement. For example, an accelerometer can be used to determine your speed and a gyroscope to figure out your direction of travel.
Qualifications & exceptions
Stated as may have sensors that can be used; applies to devices with such sensors.
Not stated here
The referenced location information page is not supplied.
Data Access & Collection · Context
Call and message log collection covers Google Voice, Meet, Gmail, Chat, Duo and Google Fi
The services for making and receiving calls or sending and receiving messages, whose use triggers collection of call and message log information, include Google Voice (calls, text messages, voicemail), Google Meet (video calls), Gmail (email), Google Chat (messages), Google Duo (video calls and messages) and Google Fi (a phone plan).
Supporting quotations
services to make and receive calls or send and receive messages
Examples of these services include:
Google Voice, for making and receiving calls, sending text messages, and managing voicemail
Google Meet, for making and receiving video calls
Gmail, for sending and receiving emails
Google Chat, for sending and receiving messages
Google Duo, for making and receiving video calls and sending and receiving messages
Google Fi, for a phone plan
Qualifications & exceptions
The list is introduced as examples of these services.
Data Access & Collection · Company practice
Fitbit, Pixel Watch, Nest and Google Fit collect height, weight, sleep, heart rate, skin temperature, calories and steps
If you use fitness products and apps Google offers, such as Fitbit, Pixel Watch, Nest or Google Fit, Google collects data you provide, like your height and weight, and also collects information from these apps and devices, such as your sleep patterns, heart rate, skin temperature, calories burned and steps taken. This is the policy's explanation of similar information related to your physical or mental health in the health category.
Supporting quotations
similar information related to your physical or mental health
If you use fitness products and apps we offer, such as Fitbit, Pixel Watch, Nest or Google Fit, we collect data you provide, like your height and weight. We also collect information from these apps and devices, such as your sleep patterns, heart rate, skin temperature, calories burned, and steps taken.
Qualifications & exceptions
Conditional on using Google's fitness products and apps.
The health-data consent and purpose limits in the state-law cards apply to health information subject to those laws.
Data Access & Collection · Restriction or exception
Chrome browsing history is saved to your account only if you have enabled Chrome synchronization
Your Chrome browsing history is saved to your Google Account only if you have enabled Chrome synchronization with your account. This conditions the activity-collection statements that list synced Chrome history among the data Google collects.
Supporting quotations
synced with your Google Account
Your Chrome browsing history is only saved to your account if you’ve enabled Chrome synchronization with your Google Account.
Qualifications & exceptions
Applies to saving history to your Google Account; it does not address data Chrome handles locally.
Google records ad views and interactions, including mouse movement over an ad, to give advertisers aggregated reports
Google collects information about views and interactions with ads so it can provide aggregated reports to advertisers, such as whether it served their ad on a page and whether the ad was likely seen by a viewer. It may also measure other interactions, such as how you move your mouse over an ad or whether you interact with the page on which the ad appears.
Supporting quotations
Views and interactions with content and ads
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.
Qualifications & exceptions
Reports to advertisers are aggregated; the measured signals include mouse movement and page interaction, stated as may measure.