Google Gives You the Ability to Delete All of Your Search History: Here’s Why You Might Want To

theblaze.com ^ | 4/21/2015 | Liz Klimas

[rktman]

Google introduced a feature earlier this year that lets users download their entire search history, but some have pointed out that you can also completely delete it, which might be a good decision from a security or data tracking standpoint.

According to Venture Beat, Google released this download feature in January, but it just recently got attention when it made it onto the Google Operating System blog, which is an unofficial Google news and tips website.

[rktman]

Not sure if or how many FReepers use goggle search (is it as insidious as internet explorer and tied in to everything when you don't think it is?) but just a little note on how to delete your history. Of course, I'm purty certain the search history will still be preserved someplace. Without your knowledge of course. Don't forget to gear up for erf day tomorrow. Or Vlad's birthday. Your choice.

[humblegunner]

Not sure if or how many FReepers use goggle search

No need, here they are.

[Boogieman]

Ha! If you think you are deleting google’s record of your search history by pressing that button, I have a bridge I’d like to sell you.

[null and void]

I use StartPage, then Bing, and only if all else fails, google.

Deleting history NOW.

[rightwingcrazy]

“...a move toward giving them ‘a sense of control over their data.’”

Not a sense of control, but a move toward giving it. And not actual control, heavens no.

[null and void]

At no point in history has any government ever wanted its people to be defenseless for any good reason ~ nully's son

The biggest killer of mankind

Nut-job Conspiracy Theory Ping!

To get onto The Nut-job Conspiracy Theory Ping List you must threaten to report me to the Mods if I don't add you to the list...

[exnavy]

That’s series.

[rktman]

LOL! Yeah, well. Never too late to put on your PPE. Maybe goggle search is better than google anyway.

[Daffynition]

[Balding_Eagle]

Try this one: https://ixquick.com/

[Olog-hai]

This sounds like something left over from the European Union’s demand that people can be “forgotten on the Internet”—which, coming from that entity, will of course mean the exact opposite.

[Gay State Conservative]

Given that the most "dangerous" thing I've ever googled was "Obama Alinsky" I doubt that I have anything to fear.

Woooah! Hang on.....

[ChildOfThe60s]

Normally use StartPage.

I use Google though for any really mundane stuff, recipe searches, stuff like that. So they will think I am a boring moron. hee hee

[ShadowAce]

[null and void]

Thanks.

[gibsosa]

hahahahahah!! good catch!!

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks rktman.

Here's how it's done:

1. Visit your 'Web & App Activity' page.
2. Check the box next to the items you want to remove.
3. Click 'Remove items' at the top of the page.

If you don't want Google tracking your search history to begin with, go to your Account History page and click the "pause" button.

Venture Beat explained that letting users download search history is a move toward giving them "sense of control over their data."

[Vendome]

[Vendome]

[SkyDancer]

Earth Day: The day that environmentalists can trash the planet with their refuse as they march.