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chromas [soylentnews.org] writes:

According to a new blog post [blog.google], Google will now automatically delete users’ search information, location data and voice commands after 18 months has elapsed since capture.

YouTube activity, meanwhile, will be kept on file for 36 months by default, which Google says will ensure viewers are served the most relevant content.

[...] The company’s auto-delete controls have been in place since last year, but will now be turned on by default for new users. Existing Google Account holders, though, will need to manually activate the auto-delete function from with the Activity Controls panel.

[...] The firm also took the opportunity to unveil a host of smaller changes designed to make it easier for users to access privacy controls and improve account security.

Soon, search queries such as ‘Is my Google Accounts secure?’ or ‘Google Privacy Checkup’ will return a personalized widget that allows users to make quick tweaks to their account controls.

Accessing Incognito mode [techradar.com] within Google’s most popular apps - including YouTube, Search and Maps - will also be much easier. To enter private browsing, users need only press and hold on their profile picture.

Within the coming weeks, Google’s Password Checkup tool will also be integrated into the Security Checkup service, which notifies users of chinks in their security armor. The addition will allow account holders to check whether any of their login credentials have been compromised and safeguard against potential credential-stuffing attacks.

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