“If you do not have a Google account and run your Internet connection through a VPN*, how does Google know who you are?”
It makes it harder for them to track you fore sure.
Like you I use a secure VPN service. A private email account and Linux for my desktop. I’m sure the NSA knows everything I do. It hides me from the data brokers...
However I didn’t always use a secure VPN so I’m sure they have a pretty extensive profile on me any way.
The bigger problems are the smart phones. People download apps without understanding what they are doing.
FaceBook was tracking non-facebook users via their smartphone app that comes preloaded on most phones.
Or when your friends tag you picture on their facebook page. Then you end up in their facial recognition database.
Privacy is the civil rights issue of the 21st century. But 90+% of the people just don’t get it.
Without privacy you won’t have any freedom.
Re smart phones: I have just recently gotten my FIRST cell phone. Been resisting all these years. But cell phones and cell phone service has gotten to be almost as inexpensive as my landline phone. So I figured, what the heck.
I have an Alcatel flip phone that won’t take downloaded apps so I don’t have that worry. I also have a Faraday cage wallet for my phone and keep it there most of the time. Phone cannot be reached while it’s in the cage so no tracking.