Google has introduced a range of new privacy, safety, and security features at its annual developer conference, Google I/O. These initiatives are designed to safeguard users against cyber threats such as phishing attacks and malicious websites, while granting them greater control and transparency over their personal data.
The updates include improved data control and transparency, a dark web scan report for Gmail users, the ability to effortlessly delete Maps search history, AI-powered safe browsing, an expanded Content Safety API, an “About This Image” tool, and a Spam view in Google Drive. These enhancements reflect Google’s commitment to enhancing user privacy and security across its platforms and services.
One of the notable features is improved data control and transparency, where Google has introduced an update for its Android operating system. This update enables users to have better control over location sharing through apps installed on their devices.
Users will now be informed in permission requests if an app shares their information with third parties for advertising purposes, allowing them to decide whether to approve or decline location sharing for each app.
Google is also expanding dark web reports to all Gmail account users in the United States. This feature helps to alert users if their sensitive data is circulating on websites that are not indexed by search engines.
By scanning the dark web, users can identify if their personally identifiable information, such as names, addresses, emails, phone numbers, and Social Security numbers, is at risk, and seek appropriate guidance.
In addition, Google has introduced the option to delete recent searches from Maps with a single tap, making it easier for users to manage their Maps search history. Other notable features include a new Safe Browsing API that enhances web security and a Spam view in Google Drive, which automatically identifies and segregates potentially harmful files or abusive content for user review.
Google is also expanding its Content Safety API to flag child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in video content and introducing the “About This Image” tool, which provides users with valuable context about images they come across online.
These updates follow Google’s recent introduction of passwordless sign-ins using passkeys across Google Accounts and the implementation of a data deletion policy that requires app developers to provide users with a readily discoverable option to delete their data. These efforts showcase Google’s ongoing commitment to strengthening user privacy and security within its ecosystem.
