Google announces new privacy, security, and safety features across all of its services

[ad_1]

May 10, 2023Ravie LakshmananPrivacy/Security/Protection

Google today unveiled a number of new privacy, security and safety features at its annual developer conference, Google I/O. The tech giant’s latest initiatives aim to protect its users from cyber threats, including phishing attacks and malicious websites, while providing more control and transparency over their personal data.

Here is a short list of the newly introduced features:

Improved Data Control and Transparency Gmail Dark Web Scan Report Easily Delete Maps Search History AI Powered Safe Browsing Content Security API Expansion About This Image Spam View in Google Drive

Among the new features introduced, the first on the list is the improvement of data control and transparency. Google has unveiled an update to its Android operating system that allows users to better control location sharing through apps installed on their devices.

“Based on location data, you’ll be notified in permission requests when an app shares your information with third parties for advertising purposes,” said Jen Fitzpatrick, senior vice president of systems and core experiences.

“You can use this information to decide whether you want to approve or deny location sharing for each app so you’re always in control.”

In addition, the company said it is rolling out dark web reporting to all users with a Gmail account in the US to warn if their sensitive data is circulating on sites not indexed by search engines.

The feature, initially made available to Google One subscribers in March 2023, allows you to scan the dark web for personally identifiable information such as names, addresses, emails, phone numbers and social security numbers, and seek guidance appropriate.

A third privacy-focused option rolled out by the tech giant is the ability to delete recent searches from Maps with a single tap instead of removing your Maps search history from Web & App Activity.

Other notable features include a new Safe Browsing API and a Spam view in Google Drive that is analogous to Gmail and automatically separates potentially harmful files or offensive content, which can then be reviewed by users.

NEXT WEBINAR

Learn to block ransomware with real-time protection

Join our webinar and learn how to stop ransomware attacks in their tracks with real-time MFA and service account protection.

Save my place!

The search giant also said it was expanding its Content Safety API to report child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in video content, as well as unveiling an “About This Image” tool that gives users more context to ensure reliable access to information. reliable.

“‘About this image’ gives you important context such as when an image or similar images were first indexed by Google, where it may have first appeared, and where else it was seen online such as a news site , social or fact-checking,” Fitzpatrick said.

The updates come a week after Google enabled passwordless logins using passkeys in Google Accounts across platforms.

Last month, the tech giant also adopted a new data wipe policy that requires app developers to offer an “easily discoverable option” to users both inside and outside of an app.

Did you find this article interesting? Follow us on Twitter  and LinkedIn to read more of our exclusive content.

[ad_2]